Young Girl Set To Makes Waves With World Record Attempt

A TEN-YEAR-OLD girl is challenging herself to break a world record by swimming across the Firth of Forth to raise money for charity.

Emma Hudson-Brookfield has been swimming since the age of four and has set her sights on becoming a world record holder to raise money for Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC).

Joining Emma on the day will be ‘Team Shebeen’ which was founded by her father Ian Hudson, the co-owner of Shebeen Steakhouse & Braai in Edinburgh.

Emma, who is busy preparing for the swim, said: “I’ve never done anything like this before so I’m a mixture of nerves and excitement about the swim. Luckily, my dad is my coach and he has completed two swims across the Forth before so he knows what he is doing.

“I have been training once in a week and found building up lengths in the pool has helped as it has become easier each time. I have never been swimming outdoors in the UK, it has only ever been in the sea on holiday.

“I think the work of the charity is amazing so I really hope that by doing this swim that we can contribute in some way.”

After reading an article on ECHC and the vital work it does to support children, young people and their families who visit the Royal Hospital for Sick Kids, the team picked them to be the beneficiaries from the world record breaking attempt.

Vicki Watson, Community Fundraiser at ECHC, said: “We are so grateful to be Team Shebeen’s chosen charity for this incredible world record breaking attempt by Emma.

“Everyone at ECHC wishes the whole team the best of luck for this commendable swim across the Firth of Forth and that the tides play in their favour.

“The money raised will have a huge impact on the lives of young patients and their families and make a phenomenal difference during their time at hospital.”

Starting off at Town Pier in North Queensferry, Emma and the team will swim approximately 1.2 miles to reach Hawes Pier, South Queensferry.

‘Team Shebeen’ is made up of five swimmers: Emma Hudson-Brookfield, Daros Gray, Matteo Guglielmino, Ian Hudson, and Doug Macdonald. Joining them in an Apparel and Safety boat is Mark Blyth as Safety Co-ordinator, Corne van Jaarsveld as Press Officer & Sue Butcher who will be the team’s camerawoman.

The current world record for being the youngest person to swim the Firth of Forth is held by Joseph Feeney who completed the swim at the age of 13 in 1933.

If you would like to support Emma and ‘Team Shebeen’ you can donate to their Just Giving page through this link: http://www.justgiving.com/teamshebeenthree