Sponsored Swim

14 October 2019

Claudio Rauch (left in the picture), the Operations Manager of Exeter’s prestigious Hotel Mercure, looks on as Tony Cox presents a cheque for £2,800 to SSAFA Devon’s Chairman, Andy Pillar OBE. On the right of the picture is Clive Richards, SSAFA Devon’s publicity officer.
Tony raised this impressive sum to support veterans of our Armed Forces who live in the County. He completed a marathon 7.5 kilometre swim in the Hotel’s pool in just over 6 hours.
He was supervised and supported during this amazing effort by staff from Hotel Mercure’s fitness centre, namely Jack, Petya and Elliot, along with friends and well wishers.
Since leaving the Army some 30 years ago he has struggled with health and mobility issues that have taken their toll on his work and personal life.
In order to repay the support and kindness he has received from SSAFA, the UK’s oldest military charity, he decided to undertake this daunting test and also organised a prize raffle to raise as much money as possible.
Tony said that his schedule was long and arduous, but at all times the management and staff of the hotel were there to support and prepare him for the event.
“I could not have done this without their friendly support; they were fantastic and a credit to the hotel”.