Lochaber Women’s as swimmers take t
Lochaber women took to the chilly waters of Loch Linnhe and other lochs last week to mark International Women's Day and managed to help raise £400 from their aquatic efforts.
More than 40 swimmers plunged into the waters of Loch Linnhe, Loch Lochy, Loch Arkaig, Loch Leven and Loch Sunart, that organisers knew about, although they felt sure others also participated. The money raised by the swimmers was boosted by a donation for every swimmer by Off Beat Bikes of Fort William.
The organised event had to be abandoned as a result of Covid concerns with swimmers instead encouraged to swim in their own ‘bubbles’ and send in a photograph.
Swimmers taking part included Karen Macinnes, Janey Walker, Anita Maclean, Holly Sharratt, Nicky Sharratt, Penny Clay, Charlotte Parkin, Liz Graham, Pamela Hamilton, Anja Bak, Aex Humphries, Carol Littlewood, Lorraine Servant, Rosie Servant, Julie Corner, Alison Austin, Fiona Austin, Evie Austin, Gina Hough, Tracey O’donnell, Savannah Parton, Sharyn Morgan, Sam Potter, Wee Plum, Nix Forster, Sue MacGillivray Byers, Colleen Barker, Hilary Tysoe, Andi Woodward, Zoe Newson, Rachel Mackerral, Marie Meldrum, Liz McClure, Laura McConniche, Pamela Griffin, Frances MacMillan, Anja Bak, Elisa Bell, Rona Yard, Elspeth Berardell, Amy Fulford, Nic Goddard and Laura McConnachie.
One of those who helped to co-ordinate the event, Nix Forster from Off Beat Bikes in Fort William, told the Lochaber Times: ‘We know of at least 43 swimmers who took part, although there were probably others we were unaware of doing it. They raised £225 and awareness for Lochaber Women’s Aid on International Women’s Day, which was fantastic.’
A cheque for the sum was presented outside Off Beat Bikes last week to Anita Maclean, of Lochaber Women’s Aid, who was also one of the swimmers on the day.
Ms Maclean, prevention worker at Lochaber Women’s Aid, added: ‘Knowing there are so many wonderful women and girls who regularly swim outdoors, we had hoped to organise a swim to celebrate International Women’s Day.