‘Remarkable’ efforts of swimmers raise £8,000

SWIMMERS of all ages put in “remarkable” efforts at the Soroptimists’ 15th annual swimathon to raise thousands of pounds for charity.

The Warwick and Leamington and Kenilworth branches of the Soroptimists International women’s movement organised the event, which took place at Warwick School on Sunday, overseeing 21 teams and more than 100 swimmers taking part in relay laps throughout the day to raise funds for the Myton Hospices and the Leamington branch of Parkinsons UK.

Gillian Ingham of the Warwick and Leamington Soroptimists said: “So far had more than £7,000 come in and we’re expecting to match last year’s fundraising total of £8,000.

“We didn’t have as many people taking part as we have had in previous years, but everyone who did seemed to be having a good time. It really is a fun event because it’s such a lovely pool and it’s an enjoyable way of raising money.”

Winner of the Courier cup for the most lengths swum in the 55 minutes given to each team was the Specsavers Leamington branch team, who covered 77 lengths between team members.

Mrs Ingham said: “The Ufton Unsinkables only had three swimmers but they managed to do 50 lengths, which was a remarkable effort.”

The Leamington and Warwick Soroptimists’ team, the Waterlillies, swam 30 lengths and the Kenilworth branch’s team, the Kenilworth Wonders, swam 45, while the Leamington branch of Parkinsons UK entered three teams and the Myton Hospices also had a team of volunteers swimming.

Mrs Ingham added: “It really helps when the charities we’re supporting support us in return by taking part.”

A trophy will also be awarded to the team who raised the most sponsorship money when it has been collected and a presentation ceremony will take place later in the year.

To date the Soroptimists have raised more than £140,000 for charities based in and around south Warwickshire through their annual swimthaon, since the first one took place in 1997.