We're delighted to share that Liberty's Legacy, a Special Fund of the Bone Cancer Research Trust, has been chosen as the Chalfont Otters Swimming Club's official charity partner.
The partnership has been made to honour former club member Liberty Schurer, who sadly passed away from Ewing sarcoma on 11th October 2017 – just two weeks after her 14th birthday.
Extremely athletic Liberty was a member of the club for several years prior to her illness. She was passionate about sports from a very young age, from swimming and dance to netball, athletics, golf, and football.
To honour Liberty's memory, Chalfont Otters proudly wear a gold ribbon on their swim hats – the international symbol for childhood cancer. In the club's own words, it reminds members of the "strength and determination that Liberty showed and encourages swimmers to put this attitude into their training in order to reach their goals."
Through their partnership with Liberty's Legacy, they have raised an incredible £25,000 and counting to further vital research into Ewing sarcoma.
Their fundraising activities have ranged from sales of club merchandise to their Senior Club Captain's channel swim last year, organised by Liberty's close friend and fellow Otter, Sadie Lucas. This remarkable event saw Sadie and fellow club members James McClenn, Ben Jackson and Zebina George swim the English Channel in 11hrs 25mins.
Zoe Wheeler, Co-chair at Chalfont Otters Swimming Club, said:
"Chalfont Otters Swimming Club are proud to partner with Liberty's Legacy as our official charity. Liberty Schurer and the Schurer family were active members of Chalfont Otters, and Libs is dearly missed by the club. Appointing Liberty's Legacy as our official affiliated charity helps maintain Liberty's legacy and allows us to support the amazing efforts of Liberty's Special Fund and the Bone Cancer Research Trust. The fundraising that we participate in gives our members the opportunity to fundraise for a vital cause, while also forming new friendships and developing a sense of community service. And, when swimming either in training or in competition, wearing a gold ribbon on our swim hats keeps Liberty's memory alive in our hearts every day."
Karen Schurer, Liberty's mum, said:
We are extremely grateful to Chalfont Otters for choosing Liberty's Legacy as their charity partner. Liberty was a dedicated and much-loved 'otter' and was determined to get back to swimming with her club after her treatment had ended. Her strength and determination through the challenges and gruelling treatment she faced continues to inspire many, and we are thankful to the club committee and swimmers for choosing to honour Liberty in this way. Liberty's wish was that she would never be forgotten, and we are thankful to Chalfont Otters for helping to keep her legacy alive.
To find out more about Liberty's Legacy:
