Millfield swimmer raises over $9,000 for Australian wildfires

Millfield swimmer Adam Graham has completed a 10km sponsored swim in aid of three charities responding to the Australian wildfires and has raised an astounding $9,655. The money will be donated to the New South Wales Rural Fire Service, Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service, and the Australian Red Cross to support their response to the devastating wildfires in Australia.

Born and raised in Sydney, Year 9 Adam is half Australian and has many family and friends in the areas that the wildfires have affected most. Adam joined Millfield Prep in Glastonbury in Year 7 in 2017 and alongside his studies at Millfield, is now a nationally ranked athlete.

Adam, who is just $345 short of his $10,000 fundraising goal says: “I know many of the national park areas that have been worst affected. It is my home-from-home and it breaks my heart to see the places I love burning to ash. It’s also about looking after our earth, which is important for every single one of us…it is the least I can do considering the fire fighters (mostly volunteers) who are putting their lives at risk to help others, along with all the other volunteer services offering essential support to families and wildlife.”

He set himself the challenge of completing the 10km swim in under three hours and finished in an impressive 2 hours, 34 minutes. Adam was featured on local BBC Somerset radio as well as various international online swimming channels.

Pupils from Millfield Prep have also been raising money for the wildfires in Australia, Year 3 Oliver sold cupcakes in the junior corridor with the help of his brother Henry and sister Amelia. They raised £126 in total.

Millfield Headmaster Gavin Horgan says, “We are so proud of Adam, who has exemplified all that Millfield hopes to encourage in its pupils: charity, drive and global citizenship. I hope his swim has inspired other Millfield students and young people to be leaders and do all they can to help those in need.”

Adam’s fundraising page is open to receiving donations until 29 February, to read his story and to donate click here.