Nuneaton swimmers are going to great lengths to cover distance of the English Channel for hospital charity
Swimmers in Nuneaton are going to great lengths to cover the distance of the English Channel in memory of a much-loved Grandma.
On Sunday, December 6, event organiser Ben Hughes and a team of swimmers will be taking on the huge challenge at the Pingles Leisure Centre pool.
Money raised will go to George Eliot Hospital Charity's Elderly Fund.
Ben’s target is £10,000 and he is appealing for sponsors – however big or small – to get behind him and the team.
They aim to cover 1352 lengths at the pool, equal to the distance of swimming the English Channel.
Ben said: “The swim is in honour of my Grandma Peg, who passed away from Alzheimer’s disease.
"Like so many local families, my friends, family and I have all relied on the incredible care and support the hospital provides. This challenge is my way of giving something back to the place that has cared for the people I love.”
The participants are all ages, with the youngest swimmer aged 12.
“As a proud Nuneaton lad, George Eliot Hospital has always been at the heart of our community,” Ben said.
"I’ve seen first-hand how difficult life can become for elderly people living with illnesses such as dementia and other age-related conditions.
“The money raised stays local and helps local people, and I’ll be able to see the difference it makes. Knowing that the funds raised will directly contribute to improving care, comfort and support for elderly patients at our own hospital makes this challenge even more meaningful.
"Although I’ll be swimming in the warmth of a pool rather than the open sea, the challenge is every bit as demanding. The English Channel is approximately 21 miles long, which means I’ll need to swim 1,352 lengths of the pool over the course of 12 hours, from 8am until 8pm.”
He said it will push his physical and mental limits, but knowing he is making a difference will keep him going through every single length.
Ben said: “Whether you can donate £5, £10, or any amount at all, every contribution will make a real difference.
"Your support will not only help improve the lives of elderly patients, but it will also motivate me to keep swimming when the challenge gets tough.”
A quiz night is taking place for Ben’s chosen charity at the Hearty Goodfellow Pub, Arbury Road, Nuneaton, on Saturday, November 28. It starts at 7pm (doors open at 6pm).
Ben would like to thank his sponsors: Nuneaton Round Table; Martin’s Roofing Contractors Ltd; Sal's Barbershop; DC Construction Limited; Leanne's Little Learners; Cocks Lloyd Solicitors; MES Systems - Fire & Security; RFG Financial Management; DJ Snax; Shirt print credits go to Go Print and Lamby Design Co.
To sponsor the challenge, visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/benhughesenglishchannelchallengegehcharity