Hospice seeks swimmers

A CHARITY that provides palliative care is hoping to be in the swim with its latest fundraising event.

Thames Hospice is bringing back its Open Water Swim event in June, and it says the challenge is suitable for all, whether they are a seasoned swimmer, a weekend dipper or new to open water swimming.

Open to swimmers aged 18 or over, there are a range of distances from 500m to 10km, which participants can swim individually or as part of a team.

It takes place on Sunday, June 9, at Bray Lake, in partnership with Bray Lake Watersports.

Thames Hospice’s speciality doctor, Dr Patrick Clarke, was one of those who took part last year.

“I completed a 5km swim as part of Thames Hospice’s Open Water Swim Challenge. The event was extremely well organised and the lake was a fantastic place to swim,” he said.

“I will never forget the feeling of elation as I completed the distance. I will be doing it again this year with some of my Hospice colleagues.”

Another participant was Susan, who was joined with her family, swimming a 10k relay in memory of her father.

“Thames Hospice looked after us as a family just as much as they looked after my dad.

“It’s your worst nightmare losing a parent but even though it was a sad time it was a special time.

“We have good memories in our hearts of losing him at Thames Hospice, it was peaceful.

“We always want to keep making him proud so Team Nemo will be back this year to take part in the Open Water Swim.”

Registration fees start from £35 per person, and all participants receive a swim hat, reward and a hot drink. Souvenir hoodies can be bought and these are also £35.

■ For more details, log on to: www. thameshospice.org.uk/open-waterswim or call the Fundraising Team on 01753 842121 on weekdays between 9am and 5pm.