Little swimmers in their pyjamas had a splashing time and helped raised £1,239.48 for The Harvey Hext Charity: A Sibling’s Wish during their charity Puddle Ducks swimming event.

Bristol-based baby and children swim school, Puddle Ducks, host a charity PJ Week each year, where children raise money for a local cause by learning water safety dressed in their favourite pyjamas, and members of their class held at Larkrise School in Trowbridge joined in enthusiastically. This year the A Sibling’s Wish is Puddle Ducks chosen charity.

The charity was set up in memory of Sarah Hext’s son, Harvey, and provides children with bespoke unique and personalised memory box to help preserve memories of a lost sibling. The boxes are a very simple, but effective way of helping a sibling remember their brother or sister. The charity’s flagship fundraising and promotion event in October, the annual Harvey’s Scarecrow Trail, involves scarecrows being hidden all over the Chew Valley, as families explore the area looking for every scarecrow on the trail.

Little ones love swimming in their pyjamas, but besides raising money for the A Sibling’s Wish, there is a serious reason behind the fun event, as they are learning a valuable life skill. Most people come into danger around water while fully clothed, being in pyjamas provides a good indication of what it would be like and gives them confidence and skills should they ever be in a dangerous situation.

Sarah Austin, founder of Puddle Ducks Bristol & Bath, said: “We were delighted when our customers voted to support A Sibling’s Wish during our charity pyjama week. As a small, local charity, the money our swimmers have raised will make a tangible difference to the lives of local bereaved children and we couldn’t be prouder to support Sarah in the amazing work she is carries out in memory of her son Harvey.”

“We were shocked to hear that the Swimming Teachers Association (STA) recently reported that 1 in 3 children are unable to swim when they leave primary school. This really highlights how important it is for our little ones to learn to swim from a young age when they can learn at their own pace.”

Puddle Ducks provides innovative swimming classes for babies, toddlers and children. Teachers focus on creating a nurturing environment, which supports independent swimming for children of all abilities.

For more information Puddle Ducks please call 0117 9717165 or visit https://www.puddleducks.com/local-teams/bristol-bath.