Chaplain jumps in at the deep end
Strathcarron Hospice’s Stuart Murdoch has been lapping up praise as he dives in to his latest challenge to support the cause.
The hospice’s chaplain is always happy to dive in whenever and wherever needed, but this year he is taking the plunge by aiming to swim 11,000 lengths and raise £11,000 to fund the running of the hospice for one day.
Last year’s“Chaplain’s Challenge” saw the 46-year-old cover 212 miles on foot in three days last summer, trekking and running the Southern Upland Way - the equivalent of three marathons a day for three days.
But this year, while doing the majority of the lengths himself, including stints of up to three hours, he has“pooled in”some support from other hospice supporters to help him clock up the distance.
Coleena Brodie of the Strathcarron fundraising team said: “The challenge equates to 275km over 170 miles or swimming the Channel eight and a bit times. In one day last week Stuart completed 4750 metres in three hours of non-stop swimming. A big thank you to the friends who joined him for the day - consultant Sarah Miller, Dr Hannah Lewin and fundraising admin Diane Harrison. The total lengths by the team that day was 390, taking the total up to 9750 metres.
“Thanks also to Falkirk Community Trust for accommodating us at Larbert High pool and providing us with two lifeguards (just in case!).
“It’s not too late for people to be part of this challenge - just give us a call to pledge your lengths, which you can then complete individually, as a family or in groups at your own pool whenever suits you. All we ask is that you raise £1 for each length pledged to help Stuart complete those 11,000 lengths.”