Adam Graham Takes The Plunge

Adam Graham, a year nine swimmer at Millfield School, Somerset, has raised over $9,600 for Australian wildfire relief by swimming 10km in the school’s Olympic standard pool. 

Adam – who is half Australian and has friends and family in the areas affected by the Australian wildfires – is splitting the money raised between New South Wales Rural Fire Service, Wildlife Information Rescue & Education Service and the Australian Red Cross.

Not content with raising an almighty amount of money, Adam also set himself the goal of completing the 10km swim in an ambitious time of under three hours – this was something that he smashed, finishing his swim in a time of two hours 34 minutes.  Adam was featured on local BBC Somerset radio as well as various international online swimming channels.

‘I know many of the national park areas that have been worst affected. It is my home-from-home and it breaks my heart to see the places I love burning to ash,’ Adam commented. ‘It’s also about looking after our earth, which is important for every single one of us and it is the least I can do considering the fire fighters (mostly volunteers) who are putting their lives at risk to help others, along with all the other volunteer services offering essential support to families and wildlife.’

‘We are so proud of Adam, who has exemplified all that Millfield hopes to encourage in its pupils: charity, drive and global citizenship,’ adds Gavin Horgan, headmaster at Millfield. ‘I hope his swim has inspired other Millfield students and young people to be leaders and do all they can to help those in need.’

Adam’s fundraising page is open to receiving donations until 29 February. To read his story and to donate click here.  

To see Millfield’s School House listing, click here