The Bone Crusher Charity Swim event, a 5.3 mile swim from Brewer's Bay to Jost Van Dyke, is being held this Saturday, October 24, 2015 to raise money for T'Shonda Dore. Photo: Provided

T’Shonda Dore getting some love from her grandmother Ms Vera Meade while settling in at the Shriners Hospital for Children in the United States recently. Photo: Provided

The open water swim or SUP, which should be underway, is being spearheaded by the team at Alternative Energy Systems (AES) and supported by Prosolar Systems, Deloitte and Maples.

The event has attracted swimmers from far and wide, including the USA and will see “Bone Crusher” himself taking to the water, hoping to complete the Swim from Sandy Cay to Foxy’s Bar on Jost Van Dyke.

T'Shonda has now had her emergency surgery (off-island) for scoliosis (curvature in the spine) and she is coping well with her mother at her side. They have even recently moved out of the hospital in the USA to try to keep costs down, however, T'Shonda still has a long way to go.

Sir Richard Branson offers support

Sir Richard Branson has offered his support by committing to match dollar for dollar any funds raised at the charity swim event. He has donated $5,000 in advance to help the family's immediate needs and $3,000 has been raised so far of that matched amount.

The family is trying to reach a target of $65,000.

With medical bills already over $17,000, not including hospital charges and on-going doctors’ appointments and rehabilitation, the charity swim is a welcome and timely event.

Other sponsors include Citgo, RTW, and Caribbean Colours.