Lismore to Appin swim is breeze for Max
Crystal clear waters between Lismore and Appin tempted 48 wild swimmers to make the 1km crossing at the weekend.
A chilly wind was blowing but first back to shore was Oban Seals’ swimmer Max Holloway, who did it in just under 15 minutes.
Oban Seals meet at Ganavan Sands car park every Saturday at 8.45am, swimmers of all abilities are welcome.
Highland Open Water Swim was behind Sunday’s event.
Swimmers came from near and far to take part in the inaugural Lismore event, which had safety support from kayakers, back-up boats from Highland Open Water Swim, as well as cover from a fish farm, Easdale ferry and the Lismore ferry.
Alex Reis from Highland Open Water Swim was full of praise for the communities of Lismore and Appin who helped raise £1,013.96 for the swim organisation’s chosen charity The Brain Tumour Charity.
Donations from the swim fees are still to be added. Argyll and Bute Council also gave £94 from the ferry ticket takings on the day.
Swim organiser Ms Reis said: ‘We were taken aback at the support from both the communities. We couldn’t have wished for more. The swim went well and we’d love to come back another time. There was a bit of wind on the day but it helped the swimmers on their way.’
Hot drinks and cakes for donations fueled-up swimmers on the Lismore side and there was shelter and more refreshments at Port Appin Hall for before and after.
When Lismore’s Hazel MacCormick found out the swim was in aid of the Brain Tumour Charity she wanted to get involved. Her farmer husband John died from a brain tumour just under a year ago and his death had a huge impact on the island.
Friends and family rallied round to bake cakes and organise hot drinks on the Lismore side for the swimmers, making £750 on the day. Appin refreshments made about £250.
Mrs MacCormick said: ‘It was a poignant day for us all but we were pleased to be able to help. There still isn’t a cure for brain tumours.’
Her 13-year-old daughter Rachel is walking 10,000 steps a day this month as part of the Walk All Over Cancer Campaign and has raised almost £500 so far. The Oban High School pupil’s justgiving page is at https://fundraise. cancerresearchuk.org/page/ rachel-walls-all-over-cancer