A royal garden party invite for one of our deputy admin leads, Andy

In recognition of his many years of voluntary work with the English Schools’ Swimming Association (ESSA) and wider swimming community, Andy Rigg, the deputy admin lead for our Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services, was recently invited to attend the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, hosted by His Majesty The King.

Andy travelled to London to attend the event on 14 May, which was held in honour of individuals who serve communities and charitable causes that support education and skills. 

The invitation was extended through the English Schools’ Swimming Association (ESSA), a national charity dedicated to promoting competitive swimming, diving, and water polo for school-aged children.

Andy said: 

“My journey in aquatic sport began at a young age and has grown into a lifelong passion. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to contribute to the sport in many capacities; as a swimmer, official, teacher, coach, and lifeguard. This involvement has guided much of my voluntary work and continues to drive my commitment to nurturing future generations of aquatic athletes."

Speaking about his experience at the palace, Andy commented: 

“The event itself was an unforgettable experience. The exquisite sandwiches and cakes were a delight, and I had the pleasure of meeting individuals from across the country working in education, healthcare, and community service. Even during the train journey to London, I found myself engaging in thoughtful conversations with fellow attendees, many of whom were genuinely interested in both my voluntary and professional work.”

He added: 

“I’m grateful to the Trust for their support in enabling me to attend this special occasion. It was a privilege to represent both the NHS and ESSA on the day.

None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of my partner Andy, who also works for the Trust, and my family. Without them, I wouldn’t have achieved what I have or had the opportunity to attend such a prestigious event.”

Beyond ESSA, Andy’s volunteering spans all levels of the sport, from grassroots to international competition. He previously had the honour of officiating at the 2023 World Para Swimming Championships in Manchester and served as one of the official starters at the British Swimming Olympic Trials for Paris 2024.