Regulars help realise Antigua sailing dream (From This is Hampshire)

Regulars help realise Antigua sailing dream

5:30am Friday 22nd September 2006

• Print
• Email
• Share

TWO Southampton youngsters are heading for Antigua after becoming the latest people to benefit from the generosity of regulars at a city pub.

Customers at the Swan Inn, in Portsmouth Road, Woolston, are keen supporters of the Jubilee Sailing Trust, which enables disabled people to go on trips with able-bodied crewmen. Big-hearted regulars have raised about £6,500 over the past three years.

The latest people to benefit from their fundraising activities are Mark Oliphant, 20, of Farringford, Thornhill, and Tom Aley, 17, of Allington Lane, Fair Oak.

Mark is registered blind but has partial sight in one eye.

He said: "I was nominated by one the regulars. It's a once-in-a-lifetime trip and it's absolutely fantastic to be given the chance."

Mark and Tom were presented with a £2,000 cheque by landlords Chris Jones and Debbie Ainsworth and members of the band Lynchpin.

A trust spokesman said: "The pub raised the money by holding a rock and roll weekend. All the bands waived their normal fees, as did some of the staff."

Mark and Tom will travel to Antigua aboard the Tall Ship Tenacious next February.

• Print
• Email
• Share