TWO fighting fit South Ayrshiremen are making a splash next month to raise money for church projects.

Richard Woods, Seagate Church pastor and Sandy Mavor (65) from Dundonald are swimming two miles in Loch Lomond as part of the Great Scottish Swim on Saturday, August 26.

The 40-year-old pastor, originally from Belfast but now living in Troon, is a trustee of Mission International and aims to raise money for a building project in Ouanaminthe in Haiti. 

After the devastating earthquake in 2010, Richard and his team travelled to the country to provide aid and support to the town of Ouanaminthe. 
The natural disaster resulted in the loss of 200,000 lives, and left more than a million people homeless. 

Upon seeing the news coverage, the Mission International charity resolved to try to make a difference to victims of the tragic event.

Richard said: “Over the last six years, I have returned to Haiti nine times, with another visit planned for October. Education was a serious problem.

"Around 50 per cent of children do not have regular schooling so in response to this problem, the Mission International Haiti project was started.” 

He added: “The aim is to build a primary school for 300 children, which will also double as a church on Sunday and a community space in the evening for adult learning.”

Over the past two years, Richard and his team have been one of the Church of Scotland Guild’s chosen charities.

He said: “We have managed to raise £80K already, however we will need another £80K more to finish the project. We now own the land in Ouanaminthe and hope that building work will begin this October.”

Richard swam one mile of the open water event last year, but has committed to another mile for his second time.

He said: “I have been a swimmer for a few years, though not a very good one. I decided to push myself; it will not be easy but I am passionate about what we are trying to do in Haiti. 

“When you meet the wonderful children in Ouanaminthe, you realise that this little sacrifice is more than worth it for the opportunity for them to have an education.”

He added: “Our long-term hope is to continue beyond the building of this firth school to look at other projects in the years ahead.”
Meanwhile Sandy is aiming to raise funds for Dundonald Parish Church Hall.

He aid: “The church plays a very important part in village life and a lot of organisations use it, including two brothers who use it to train for the

Olympic and World Champion competitions in the Boccia para event.”
Although this will be the fourth Great Scottish Swim for Sandy, swimming has only been a recent addition to his life. 

He said: “Having not swam seriously since school, when I retired at 60, I joined my wife at the early-birds’ session at Troon Pool. 

“A friend mentioned the Great Scottish Swim and I could not resist swimming in such a beautiful Loch so close to home. The target is to break 60 minutes for the two miles, although it will definitely be weather permitting.

Sandy has even convinced his family to join him in the water. 

He said: “One of our three daughters is swimming her first open water one mile event, and the two would probably be joining if they lived a little nearer.”

As well as swimming in Loch Lomond every year since 2013, Sandy has entered other open water events across Scotland.

He said: “I have swam 2km in Loch Venachar, as well as the 3.6 miles from Loch Lubnaig to Largs.

“I’ve also done four annual swims of 1.6 miles from the Island of Cumbrae to Largs in aid of a local cancer charity, Gillian’s Saltire Appeal. Swimming has really helped me with my fitness.”

Entries for the Great Scottish Swim are now open. Enter at http://www.greatrun.org/great-swim/great-scottish-swim.