Splash for soldiers

Jun 4 2008 By Ian Russell

KILMARNOCK grandpa Robert Chambers opted for his own route 66 to raise cash for British troops in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The 44-year-old, from Wellpark, whose paratrooper son Sean is currently on duty in Helmand Province, successfully completed a mile-long sponsored swim in the Galleon on Monday afternoon.

And the £300 proceeds from the exercise — 66 lengths of the leisure centre’s pool — will now go to the Support Our Soldiers charity which sends thousands of care parcels to our lads in far-flung hotspots every year.

SOS founder Agnes Hunter, from Ayr, was one of those cheering engineer surveyor Robert on alongside his wife Mary Anne who is East Ayrshire area co-ordinator of the charity.

Present too were the couple’s daughter Mary Anne and grandchildren Aimee, three and 11-week-old Emily.

It took Robert around 45 minutes to complete the mile, and when it was all over he was a tired, but happy, man.

“Everything was brilliant,” said Robert. “I’d like to thank everyone for their help. the people at the Galleon have been wonderful and after last week’s story in the Standard we have brought in more money than I expected.

“In fact there’s still more coming in yet.”

Donations for the troops’ parcels are still being taken at a trolley collection in Asda in Queens Drive and Robert and his family are urging anyone interested in the appeal to get in touch with them.

He and Mary Anne can be reached on 01563 534693 or you can contact Mary Anne via maryanne@supportoursoldiers.co.uk