What’s It All About?

It’s exactly as it sounds! I’m making the 22-mile trek across the English Channel on my own to raise money for Harvey Parry, a 3-year-old English boy who is in need of new legs and is being sponsored through my Rotary club. It’s going to be tough, but it will definitely be worth it.

When I came to the London School of Economics it was not just as a student, but as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar, hosted by

Donor Levels:

All supporters (both individual and business-related) will be named on the Channel Swim website and on the official Channel Swim Banner, which will join me on my journey from England to France in early July.
It will also and be used for all media-related events. Banner logo sizes and additional promotions are as follows:

Big Swim Sponsor

£1-£20:

(One Line Of Banner Text)

Channel Champion

£21-£99:

(Three Lines of Banner Text)

Harvey’s Hero

£100-£999:

(Oversize Business Card Space on Banner)

Perfect Parry Partner

£1000 or More:

(A5-Size Space on Banner, Mention in all Press Releases)

Who Is Harvey?

In short, Harvey is an inspiration. Born on October 25th of 2005, at just 15 months old he was admitted to a local UK hospital where it was discovered that he had the deadly meningitis meningococcal septicemia b virus. At that tender young age he had to have both legs as well as three and a half of his right hand fingers amputated. The virus also left extensive damage and scarring to his whole body and his left hand partially paralyzed.

Unable to get adequate prosthetics in the UK, his parents, Carol and Jonathan have been taking him to the United States for comprehensive treatment at one of the world’s most advanced centers. Still, with no definitive insurance coverage, his parents have had to raise nearly all of the necessary funds by themselves.

This is where the Rotary Club of Edmonton - and now my swim - come in. Our goal is to raise £10,000 (roughly $15,000) to further their efforts to give Harvey the fullest, most complete life possible. They’re admirable parents. He’s an admirable boy. Now we’re trying to do our part, and I hope you’ll help

Why This Particular Idea, Kyle?

Because conquering the Channel has always been a personal dream of mine. When I was forced to stop swimming nearly five years ago, it felt like one of my greatest loves had been taken from me. Fortunately, because of modern medicine and an incredibly supportive family, I am once again able to do what I love.

While it is on a very different scale, I want the same for Harvey. While there are millions (if not billions of people in need) this boy is right here in my life and he needs help. I want to do what I can for him.

At the same time, I want to inspire others to believe that they are capable of anything, no matter what the odds. My hope is that both my swim and Harvey’s story will do that.