It all went swimmingly

By Paul Hastie
THREE young ladies from Stirlingshire have made a big splash to help our hospital appeal.
Rebecca Pennie (12), Loren Campbell (13) and Kirstin Knight (13), from Larbert High School, held a sponsored swim to raise £132.65.
It’s a fantastic achievement — made even more special because the first year pupils pulled it off entirely on their own.
From creating the sponsor sheets, canvassing for cash and completing 364 lengths at Grangemouth Sports Complex, they did it with no help whatsoever.
Rebecca was the brains behind the endeavour. 
Friends 
She said, “I read about the appeal in The Sunday Post and thought it would be a great idea to do something to raise money.
“I mentioned it to Kirstin and Loren who said they wanted to do it too.”
The girls have become great friends since they met when they came to high school. 
They know each other’s strengths — which was handy when choosing a swimming challenge.
While Rebecca is top organiser, Kirstin has been swimming since she was three and was able to put in a few extra lengths for the team.
Kirstin said, “I’m a lifesaver so I swim all the time.”
Loren also had something special to bring to the challenge — punctuality. 
She said, “I arrived first at the pool so was able to get in a few lengths before they arrived.”
Rebecca laughed, “We were late being dropped off because my dad was getting a haircut!”
Luckily dad’s new hairdo couldn’t get in the way of the charity feat, and 364 lengths later the girls had earned £132.65. 
Generous
They collected cash from generous friends, family and teachers — and they promise there’s even more to come in.
Their parents are extremely proud. Loren’s mum Janet admitted she had no idea the friends had come up with the challenge themselves.
She said, “I didn’t realise it was just the three of them until the day, I thought it had been organised for them. 
“It’s great they’ve done it on their own.”
Rebecca’s mum Karen said, “It was a shock when Rebecca said she wanted to organise the swim, she’d never done anything like it before.
“She put her heart and soul into it and they did really well.”
Kirstin’s mum Carol agreed. “Kirstin is a very good swimmer, I’m pleased she’s been able to use it in such a charitable way.”
Along with donations from their teachers, the girls earned special praise from Larbert High rector Neal McGowan, He said, “I’m extremely proud, as is the whole school, of Rebecca, Loren and Kirstin’s achievement. 
“It’s heartening to know our young people are willing to devote their time to raising money for charity. 
“Well done.”
And well done from The Sunday Post.

You can e-mail us at: hospitals@sundaypost.com