Gala ready to take plunge for charity
NORTH Tyneside ASC swimmers will be raising funds for the Great North Air Ambulance this month the worthy cause particularly close to the club’s heart.
Killingworth’s Lakeside Centre will play host to the club’s annual internal gala on Friday.
The aim is to raise at least £1,500, with all the proceeds going to the air ambulance.
The good cause was chosen after Zoe Neasham, the mother of one of the club’s swimmers, was involved in a cycling accident last year and required urgent medial care.
The air ambulance ensured she reached hospital in nine minutes rather than the hour it would have taken by road.
Neasham said: “I was out on a training bike ride with my friend Carl Latimer, also a member of the swimming club.
“We were training for an Ironman Triathlon and I hit a pothole out by Rothbury Lakes which sent me flying face first into the road.
“I received serious facial injuries which required urgent medical care at the RVI and as a result the Great North Air Ambulance was called.
“While I was on the helicopter I saw a notice which said they were funded by public donations and I was determined to pay them back.
“The crew was incredible – I am scared of heights and the doctor even held my hand as we took off.”
She added: “I don’t want to just pay them back once but many times over so the crew can say they are glad they rescued me.
“I am back competing in triathlons again and I am doing my own fundraising too.
“I am really grateful to North Tyneside ASC for picking this as their charity for the gala and for the support they have given me.”
The gala is being organised by 17-year-old former North Tyneside swimmer Jack Laverty.
He was nominated by the club for the Tyne and Wear Coaching Academy and is is working towards reaching gold level in the Youth Sport Awards.
The club - based at the Lakeside Centre and Hadrian Leisure Centre in Wallsend – boasts more than 100 swimmers of all ages and abilities, some competing at regional and national levels. North Tyneside swimmers already have reason to celebrate after finishing runners-up to City of Sunderland in the second division of the Junior (Diddy) League at Tynemouth Pool.
The club got a flying start at the hugely-popular event by winning the traditional fancy dress parade competition.
North Tyneside then beat off tough competition from the likes of Darlington and Aqua Force (Hartlepool) to achieve a very creditable second spot in the division.
Anyone who would like to make a donation to the club’s gala fund should visit www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/Jack-Laverty.
WATCH out for a report and pictures from the gala in Grassroots Sport.