Swim ‘addict’ takes plunge for cancer charity
AN airport firefighter is gearing up for an epic 24-mile fundraising swim to help support children and young people with cancer.
Simon Connolly, from Royton, plans to add his name to a very short list of people who have successfully swum the length of Loch Lomond in Scotland.
The 52-year-old, who works at Manchester Airport, only got into swimming in the last few years as he looked for a new interest to replace rugby league.
Now he say he is ‘addicted’ to open water swimming - and has set himself his hardest challenge yet.
Next month he aims complete the equivalent of 1,540 lengths of a standard swimming pool in Loch Lomond and raise money for CLIC Sargent, a charity which supports children and young people with cancer.
Simon was inspired to take up the challenge after losing his brother John to cancer last year.
He said: “John was 58 when we lost him to cancer and things happened very quickly. It really makes you realise how quickly your whole life can change. I can’t imagine how devastating a diagnosis of cancer could be for a child or a young person so I think it’s really important they get that support.”
Simon, who has previously swam Lake Windermere, Coniston and Ullswater in the Lake District, says he is relishing the training and has already raised more than £9,000.
He added: “The majority of the challenge is going to be mental. Once you get into the water, your mindset just has to be that you will complete it. You just can’t let yourself give up. I’m expecting some knocks on the way, but I will just take it one stroke at a time.
“I definitely think there is an element of me telling myself ‘I’m not too old, I can still do this’.
“I keep telling myself that I have hit my ceiling and can’t do anymore, but then I get drawn into doing something more. This is the big one though – it’s bigger than anything I’ve ever done.”
Sam Scott, from CLIC Sargent, said: “This truly is an epic challenge and Simon is tackling it at the stage in his career when most people are looking for an excuse to put their feet up.
“We are all very impressed and very grateful for his support.
“CLIC Sargent receives no government funding, so it is only through the great support of donors and partners such as Manchester Airports Group that we are able to keep providing our vital frontline services to young lives affected by cancer right across the UK. We can’t wait to cheer Simon on in this fantastic challenge.”
To sponsor Simon, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/simonswimslochlomond.