TO WHAT lengths will you go to raise cash for Red Nose Day?
The News is helping Comic Relief give away an incredible £50,000 to good causes in the area - click here for details on how to apply - and today we are looking at how money is raised for the charity.
Phil Bridgwater, the manager of Sainsbury’s, in Farlington, has agreed to put himself to the test by racing champion swimmer Katy Sexton MBE at her old training pool, Springfield Secondary School, in Cosham.
But so that she doesn’t have too much of an unfair advantage the 30-year-old will be balancing a tea cup on her head!
And 40-year-old Phil, a dad of two from Portchester, still thinks she might beat him so is waxing the hair from his legs to make him more aerodynamic.
He said: ‘I’ve almost gone grey worrying about it. It’s going to be tough but I’m going to give it my best shot.
‘I’ve known Katy for a while because she helps out with charity events in the store. One day I ran down to meet her, arrived huffing and puffing, and she challenged me there and then to a swimming race.
‘My competitiveness came out and I agreed.’
The 100m race takes place on February 15.
Katy, who competed at the Athens Olympics in 2004, said: ‘I wonder what I’ve got myself into but I’m always game for a laugh. I’d better get practising.’
Phil has even agreed to have his legs waxed in front of customers, in a bid to get the edge when he’s in the pool.
‘Comic Relief is a brilliant charity,’ said Phil. ‘Sainsbury’s has had a long relationship with Comic Relief and we are hoping people fill up the collection buckets in the store.’
Phil is just one of thousands of people across the UK who will be doing bizarre, silly and funny things to raise money for Red Nose Day.
The money they raise will go directly to the people who need it most, both in the UK and Africa.
Charities, good causes and community groups can get a slice of £50,000 being given away through The News by applying for a Community Cash grant of between £500 and £1,000.
The deadline is Red Nose Day, March 15, when the big television broadcast takes place on BBC1.
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