Open Water Swimathon aims to raise as much money as possible for Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie, two causes close to the nation’s hearts.
On the weekend of Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September, over 1,500 swimmers across the UK took on an open water swimming challenge from 500m up to 5k.
So far we’ve raised over £50,000 for our incredible charities, but we can’t stop there!
Emma Priestman and four of her friends are taking on a 5k challenge at Open Water Swimathon 2019 to raise money for Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie. Emma and her team, known as the Wetsuit Warriors, have so far raised more than £2,700. Find out why these two charities are so close to Emma's heart.
Charlotte’s sister-in-law Maria died in November 2012 having been cared for by Marie Curie. A keen swimmer, Charlotte was inspired to try open-water swimming, including an Ice Swimming Challenge to raise money in Maria’s memory. This is Charlotte’s story.
Swimming has led me on a number of adventures and many new experiences, over the past four years, however I had never anticipated that it would see me walking through London, at half past six on a Sunday morning. One thing I don’t do, is mornings! There also one another thing, I don’t do, but have wanted to try since I started my swimming journey in 2015, is open water swimming, aside from swimming in the sea, on holidays abroad. Only recently, I celebrated my birthday, by jumping off the back of boat, into the sea, in Cyprus. The Blue Lagoon to be precise! However, abroad, the sea is warmer and you can see what is below you.
Growing up, Nikki – a Consultant in Palliative Medicine at the Marie Curie Hospice, West Midlands – swam regularly at her local swimming club. After falling out of the habit at university, she started swimming regularly again in her 30s. In 2017, after a few years back in the pool, Nikki wanted to set herself a challenge and decided to sign up for her first open water swim - 1,500 metres, which she loved. Having discovered a new passion, she hasn’t looked back since.
Meet our first ever Open Water Swimathon Ambassadors and find out why they wanted to get involved in this year’s event! We’ll be following their swimming and fundraising journey right up until event day and beyond.
