Brave Northampton dad to take on eight-hour swim in aid of charity that helps his disabled daughter ride horses

A selfless Northampton dad is set to attempt an eight-hour fundraising swim across the Sea of Galilee in Israel to raise money for a horse-riding charity who have helped to raise the confidence of his disabled daughter.
Katie HackerKatie Hacker
Katie Hacker

Stuart Hacker of St Crispins is hoping to raise up to £5,000 to donate towards the Hannah Payne Riding for Disabled Association group (RDA), who specialise and offer riding therapy for up to 20 blind and disabled children each year.

Mr Hacker’s seven-year-old daughter, Katie, has a rare condition that affects her brain, but with the help of the charity she has been riding horses and developing self-assurance since she was a toddler.

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Mr Hacker said: “This local charity have been amazing for Katie throughout her life and the RDA have helped her to gain so much confidence.

“They help so many disabled children locally and ask for nothing in return, it’s time for me to try and help them.”

The brave swimmer will be taking on the Sea of Galilee on 9 December, which is a large lake spanning 22 kilometres in northern Israel.

Mr Hacker has told the Chron that he practices swimming for up to 25 kilometres each week in pools and open water to make sure that he is prepared to take on the lake.

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He added: “I will also be swimming through the winter in my trusty Speedos to try and make sure that I can stand the cold.”

Next September, the dad-of-two is hoping to take on the 18 hour swim across the English Channel to raise further funds for the charity.

To donate to the Hannah Payne RDA fund, go to www.gofundme.com/hannah-payne-rda-channel-swim-2unjt7q4

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