Dad to take the plunge for Tom Bowdidge Youth Cancer Foundation

Richard Bowdidge, of West Bergholt, has decided to take himself out of his comfort zone to raise much-needed funds for the Tom Bowdidge Youth Cancer Foundation.

The dad-of-two will take part in the Serpentine Swim challenge, which forces contestants to swim a mile of the London lake in freezing conditions.

Richard set up the foundation with wife and chief executive Nikki following the death of their son, Tom, aged 19, in 2013. They made him a vow to carry on his fundraising work.

Richard said: “In 2020, I fundraised by shaving my hair off.

“While living folicly challenged was difficult, I really thought it was about time I pushed myself a bit and tried something a bit more out there for the foundation.

“Rather than running or cycling miles, I decided I would throw myself into a freezing cold lake in the middle of London and swim a mile. I’m yet to hear if Nikki will let me wear a wet suit, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

“I am nervous, daunted and excited all at the same time, but I will only be going out of my comfort zone for one day, young people with cancer are out of theirs on a daily basis.”

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Richard had initially set himself a fundraising target of £500, but thanks to generous support has already smashed it with £1,940 raised so far.

Swim - Richard and Nikki Bowdidge, set up the Tom Bowdidge Foundation in memory of their son, left. Above: Richard gets ready for the Serpentine swim .who are supporting the cancer centre campaign. their son Tom died from cancer but raised

Richard added: “It’s fantastic to get that support from people. Every penny raised really makes this challenge special for me in Tom’s memory.”

Nikki added: “I’ve been egging Richard on for a while to get out of his chair and do something a bit daring, but even I think this is almost too much for him.

“I can’t wait to see his smiling face in the freezing Serpentine, raising money for Tom and his foundation.”

nigel brown.Richard and Nikki Bowdidge.who are supporting the cancer centre campaign. their son Tom died from cancer but raised £160,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust. They are continuing his work and want a teenage area in the new centre...

Swim Serpentine takes place tomorrow and to sponsor Richard, go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RichardBowdidge1.

To support the foundation, go to www.tombowdidgefoundation.org.