Waves of Success
At the beginning of the year Tees Active challenged its customers to swim 21 miles, the equivalent of the English Channel in 16 weeks.
23 Swimmers of all ages and fitness abilities stepped up to the challenge to raise much needed funds for the Butterwick Hospice as well as the added benefit of improving their own fitness levels. The swimmers clocked up the miles gradually completing 1344 lengths of Splash or Thornaby Pool, or 1004 lengths at Billingham Forum. Having total control of their own swimming meant customers could take up the challenge at there own pace, timescale and chosen venue.
Big-hearted customers Edward Hollifield and James Peek started swimming at Splash through the GP referral system after both undergoing replacement knee operations. They swim twice a week to maintain a healthy lifestyle and thought the Channel Challenge was a great way of fundraising for a local hospice whilst working on their own fitness.
Another fundraiser Amanda Stoker liked the social side of the challenge and thought it really brought the swimmers together through determination for each person to complete the grueling 21 miles.
The Channel Challenge was really successful in improving fitness amongst the fundraisers and many have continued swimming as part of their health and fitness routine.
Tees Active Managing Director Steve Chaytor presented Diane Williamson from Butterwick Hospice with a cheque for £6,879.99 on behalf of the swimmers. Diane said ‘it is truly brilliant that these people chose to support the Channel Challenge and raise funds for their local hospice, the final amount raised is fantastic they should all be really proud of themselves.’
Butterwick Hospice provides specialist palliative care to children and adults with life limiting illnesses. Based in the North East, there are two hospices in Stockton-on-Tees making it very much a local charity for local people. Many of the swimmers had relatives at the Hospice and wanted to say thank you for the care and support they offered.
The channel challenge is set to become an annual event, open to all customers who attend Billingham Forum, Splash and Thornaby Pool. Next year the hope is to make the event bigger and better raising even more much needed funds for Butterwick Hospice.
For further information on the Channel Challenge contact Rachel Barron on (01642) 528775 or visit new.teesactivelimited.co.uk