1 week Ago
A swimming club is undertaking an impressive challenge to mark its 125th anniversary. Members from Radcliffe Swimming and Waterpolo Club will be swimming a combined 125km between them to help mark the special occasion and to raise funds for Bury Hospice. They kicked off the challenge this week and hope to hit the target, which is more than 5,000 pool lengths, by Sunday night (November 17).
Bill Brooke, from Radcliffe, is part of the club's committee , having first got involved in the early 90s when his daughter attended. He re-joined again recently as his granddaughters, aged six and 11, became members. He said: “The committee wanted to mark it [the anniversary] in some way and a sponsored swim seemed a good option.
“Members are swimming as far as they can, 5,000 lengths sounds a lot but we’ve started off well and have done 3,501km so far.” There will be more sessions taking place every night this week and the club has already raised £550 through their JustGiving crowdfunding page. Throughout its history, the club has produced Olympic swimmers including Martin Smith and Pauline Sillett, international water polo players, National Lifesaving Championships teams and record-breaking Channel swims.
Bill added: “It’s a big challenge and a good way to acknowledge the fact we are 125 years old. “It’s good to get that out in the community and by supporting Bury Hospice, it’s a fantastic way of using the money to do some good." Bill’s granddaughter Paige, 11, has already done a 1,500m swim as part of the event and his daughter Heather, 41, will be joining in this weekend.
He added: “We are hoping for former swimmers to come along and join in and get us to the total. "We’ll keep going and see how far we can get, hopefully we can smash it. “We have members from aged six up to adults and we’re always looking for new swimmers.
We’re a friendly bunch.” The club competes in galas against other nearby clubs. Members are currently training at leisure centres in Bury and Ramsbottom following the permanent closure of Radcliffe swimming pool last year.
Those interested in learning more can email the club directly at [email protected].
