Anne going to great lengths
Swim equivalent of English Channel
A Cambuslang woman has swum the length of the English Channel – without having to go any further than Rutherglen.
Anne Flannigan has swum 1416 lengths of the 25m South Lanarkshire Lifestyle pool for the benefit of a charity.
Well- known as an active member of the Friends of Cambuslang Park, for the last 30 years Anne has been involved with a charity called the Scottish Association for Children with Heart Disorders, a support group run by parents and friends who have children with congenital heart disorders.
As a result, she has been taking part in the swimming event to raise funds for the charity.
Anne explained: “I had to put it on hold for about five weeks as I had a bad chest infection which lingered a while.
“My grandson Matthew, who is 12, was helping me to do the swim, and he completed 100 lengths and I did 1316 lengths – we finished it together on Friday.
“I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who donated to my just giving page. “It is very much appreciated.” So far, Anne has raised almost £500.
Anne originally became involved with the group through her friends John and Esther Fegan, from Cambuslang, whose son Scot died when he was 16. For many years she was the Glasgow secretary.
She explained: “The association is a support group run by parents whose own children have heart disorders, there are no paid workers.
“One of my friends in the group Pauline Duncan initiated the thought of doing the swim and I decided it was something I could achieve and at the same time raise money for the charity, who not only support families, but also raise funds for equipment that is not always available through the normal NHS channels.
“Pauline’s inspiration is her oldest son Craig, who was born with an incurable heart defect which has left him with half a functioning heart.
“As well as the swim Pauline has gone on to run the equivalent of a marathon and is about to do the Adrenaline Rush Challenge at Pollok Park on July 25.”
Pauline was delighted to learn that other supporters of the charity were willing to help her in the fundraising.
She said: “Myself, Pamela Lorimer, Annmarie Hepper, Annmarie Love, Barry McLeod, John Millen and Anne Flannigan and family are raising funds for the Scottish Association for Children With Heart Disorders.
“This charity provides lifesaving equipment to Yorkhill’s cardiology department and cardiac ward. They also provide support to families and hold free events for children throughout the year.
“My inspiration for this swimathon is, of course, my own son Craig, who was born with an incurable heart defect which has left him with half a functioning heart.”
To support Anne in her fundraising, visit www.mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/anneflannagan1.
It was something I could achieve and raise money at the same time