Swimmer from Millfield School in Street raises more than $10,000 for Australian wildfire charities

Swimmer Adam Graham, who attend Millfield School in Street, has completed a 10km sponsored swim in aid of three charities responding to the Australian wildfires and has raised $10,072.

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 Preparatory School in Edgarley in Year 7 in 2017 and alongside his studies at Millfield, is now a nationally ranked athlete.

Adam, who has achieved his $10,000 fundraising goal, said: "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 firefighters (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 less than three hours and finished in two hours, 34 minutes.

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.

Millfield headmaster Gavin Horgan said: "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 February 29, and to donate click on the red button below.