The Crowborough cancer patient we featured last month has completed her 21 mile swim challenge and raised more than £2,800.
Bryanna Ryder has limited mobility using a chair or crutches to get about but can swim and walk in water. She was determined to do the swim for the Pickering Centre in Tunbridge Wells which, she says, has been “a haven” for her.
To say thank you for the centre’s support, and to mark it’s 21st birthday, Bryanna planned to swim or walk 21 miles in seven days. That’s 175 laps each day in the pool at the East Sussex National. She actually completed the challenge in six days.
The Pickering Centre covers Kent and East Sussex and is completely self-funded. An independent registered charity and non-medical. Its aim is to support the emotional side of a cancer diagnosis. It has won a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. The centre supports Bryanna and others with support, holistic treatments, coffee mornings, art and crafts, or just somewhere to go for a chat.
Bryanna, who has primary and secondary cancers, added: “This was all for Pickering Cancer Centre which has helped me through my cancer diagnosis so much. Thanks to those who supported me – we raised a whopping £2,335.21+ £468.75 Gift Aid. I am so grateful to everyone for their support.”