Susie’s big dash for charity swim
Takes plunge in Loch Earn for good cause
Susie Johnston with godson Felix and his dad Alasdair Robertson A Perth artist took the plunge on Saturday to swim a Perthshire loch for charity.
Susie Johnston took on the gruelling open water challenge in the chilly Loch Earn water on Saturday.
The 10km adventure, named the ‘Duchenne Dash’ was planned to raise money to fund research into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a genetic condition Susie’s fiveyear-old godson, Felix Robertson, suffers from.
Felix was diagnosed with the life-shortening, musclewasting disease at the age of just two.
It is expected he will lose his mobility by his early teens. Tragically, many Duchenne sufferers die in their early twenties.
Intrepid Susie swam the three-hour challenge without a wetsuit, after training for the event for five months.
She was joined for the last kilometre of her swim by her 12-year-old son Angus.
Speaking before her swim, Susie said: “I’m incredibly proud that my son Angus offered to join me for the final 1000 metres of the swim and know that I will need his vital support during the final stretch.
“My godson Felix is a very brave little boy and I am very grateful to all who have already supported this fundraising effort to help scientists one day find a cure for what is a terrible disease.”
She was cheered on the loch-side by Felix and his parents Alasdair Robertson and Robyn Pete, who came to the Strathearn event from Gloucestershire.
Susie continued: “Felix’s parents Alasdair and Robyn have dedicated their life to fundraising into the research to find a potential cure for this cruel disease and have already raised in excess of £100,000.
“If anyone wishes to donate to my contribution they can do so on my JustGiving page and all donations will be very gratefully received.”
Susie set herself a target of raising £5000 for the research, and has already managed to raise nearly £4500. The ‘Duchenne Dash’ was supported by Tiso Group. Chris Tiso, the adventure retail specialist’s CEO, swam alongside Susie on the day.
He added: “Following the success of the Duchenne Dash last year, Tiso is again delighted to support this fundraising effort.
“I am hugely proud that my son has joined his mum in the icy waters of Loch Earn to swim the last kilometre with her.
“After nine kilometres, she very much appreciated the support and company!”
Those who wish to support Susie’s fundraising efforts for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy can donate on her JustGiving page via www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ susie-johnston3