Police Chief Gillian Parker and Fire Chief Paul Fuller are persuading their teams to take the plunge! Teams are swimming at Bedford School to raise awareness of the trauma caused by road deaths and casualties in the County and to raise funds for a leading local charity. The two are joining other police and fire officers in a 'Swimathon' organised by Bedford Rotary Club to support charities such as the Road Victims Trust which is based in Kempston.

Each year more than 30 people die on the roads in Bedfordshire and another 230 are seriously injured. The Road Victims Trust helps the many individuals and families who suffer the shock and turmoil of these serious road collisions.

As Fire Chief Paul Fuller says, "We know only to well from our experience within both the Fire Service and the Police that there is a traumatic impact on many people caused by road deaths or serious injury". Chief Constable Gillian Parker agrees, "Sudden, violent death affects whole families and communities and the pain of bereavement is life-changing and substantial".

The Road Victims Trust was formed in 2003 and it provides help and support to local families with practical information, as well as emotional and legal support, delivered by professional volunteers. All of it's services are delivered free of charge to the people of Bedfordshire but they incur substantial running costs for the Charity. These have to be raised entirely by donations and by holding fund-raising events. As Carol Clarke, Senior Co-ordinator of the Road Victims Trust, says: "We are so grateful to Bedford Rotary Club in organising the Swimathon event for us - as well as number of other local charities - without their support our services would be diminished".

The Swimathon will take place at Bedford School on Saturday 15 March when swimming teams representing local charities hope to raise significant amounts for their work.

If you would like to help the Road Victims Trust through supporting the Police and Fire Chiefs swimming efforts donations can be made directly to the Trust office at 146, Bedford Road Kempston MK42 8BH.