Still time to make a splash at swim event

It has raised a mighty £150,000 for good causes over the past three decades - now Fleetwood Swimarathon is celebrating its 35th year.
Fleetwood Swimarathon.  Lions members Stuart Gratrix, Carole O'Brien, Pamela Hamilton, Fred Riley, Jenny German, Sonja Hawkins and Denis Bowker.Fleetwood Swimarathon.  Lions members Stuart Gratrix, Carole O'Brien, Pamela Hamilton, Fred Riley, Jenny German, Sonja Hawkins and Denis Bowker.
Fleetwood Swimarathon. Lions members Stuart Gratrix, Carole O'Brien, Pamela Hamilton, Fred Riley, Jenny German, Sonja Hawkins and Denis Bowker.

And there is still time for teams to sign up and take part in the annual sponsored swim.

This year’s event, organised by Fleetwood and Cleveleys lions, takes place at Fleetwood’s YMCA Leisure Centre pool on Saturday March 12.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The principal charity on this occasion is children’s hospice, Brian House.

Stuart Gratrix, one of the key organisers and a veteran of the event, said: “After 35 years we have raised around £150,000 and that’s something we can all be proud of.

“It’s a fun event which genuinely helps good causes.

“Last year we raised £1,500 for the Special Baby Care Unit at Blackpool Victoria Hospital

“We have raised money for Brian House many times before, but we believe that it is such a worthwhile charity that we are holding our Swimarathon for them as again.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I have been an organiser for over 30 years and I still enjoy it.”

So far a total of seven teams have signed up for the event, which is slightly down on previous years, but Stuart says even this number of teams is capable of raising a large amount.

And he continued: “There is still time for people to sign up for it, including new teams who have never been involved before.”

Several of the teams taking part in the latest event have been supporting the event for many years, some for over 25 years.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

And some of the groups even turn up in fancy dress, which is fun the spectators.

Stuart added: “We really do appreciate the support that people give us each year, as do the charities.

“We are supposed to have teams of six but we could have a team of one or of eight, everyone is welcome.

“If anyone wants to take part they will be more than welcome.”

For additional information about the event and to obtain sponsor forms, call Stuart on (01253) 875548.

Related topics: