A law student at the University of Kent is set to swim the equivalent of the length of the English Channel to raise funds for new law school facilities.
Hannah Bignell, a final year undergraduate at the University’s Kent Law School, will aim to raise £500 by swimming 142 laps (2.2miles) every day for ten days at Canterbury’s Kingsmead Leisure Centre. Money raised will go towards the Kent Law Campaign, a £5million fundraising project to build a new home for the University’s Kent Law Clinic and the law school’s mooting programme.
Hannah, aged 21, who is the Chair of the Kent Law Campaign Student Committee, will begin her swim today (22 May) at 7.00am.
Hannah said: ‘I have been the Chair of the Kent Law Campaign Student Committee this academic year and have decided to leave the University on a splash by raising money for this fantastic cause. I am delighted to be part of this Campaign as I believe the project presents amazing opportunities that will benefit everyone who gets involved; students, colleagues and the community.
‘The Clinic is an asset, not only to the University of Kent, but to society and it gives students first-hand experiences of what law is like in reality. The mooting programme allows individuals to develop and enhance their advocacy skills. The result of this project will allow these invaluable experiences to expand and grow. I know this challenge is pretty crazy and definitely going to be tough but I will definitely keep on swimming.’
Anna Pollard, University Campaigns Manager, said: ‘Hannah is setting herself a tremendous target but I’m sure she will achieve it and wish her well for the exciting challenge ahead of her.’
The Kent Law Clinic sees the University’s students and academics working in partnership with solicitors and barristers in practice locally. It has two objectives: to provide a public service for local people who need legal advice and representation but cannot afford to pay for it; and to enhance the education of Kent Law School students through direct experience of legal practice.
To sponsor Hannah please see: www.justgiving.com/Hannah-Bignell