Join the All Out Swim

If you want to get fit and do a good deed, join the All Out Swim. Macmillan Cancer Support has just announced the return of it’s sponsored swim series, All Out Swim. This may just be the perfect event to add to your calendar.

The cold water swimming events will be taking place at four outdoor pools throughout September and October this year. Each event includes 5K (100 lengths) and 2K (40 lengths) distances, along with a 1.5K (30 lengths) distance for under 18’s. New or less confident swimmers can take on the 2K event as part of a relay team, or the more experienced swimmers can take on the 5K to smash a personal best – it is completely up to you and what you are comfortable with doing!

The events will be taking place at a variety of different pools around the country, including Brockwell, Cheltenham, Lewes and Letchworth swimming lidos.

Letchworth Outdoor Pool Swim Series will be taking place on 10 September, Pells Pool Lewes on 17 and 18 September, Sandford Parks Lido will be on 2 October and finally, Brockwell’s event is being held 8-9 October.

Last year, the All Out Swim Series managed to raise just a total of over £100,000 from sponsorship money and donations, and nearly 500 people from around the country took part in at least one of the distances, plus more people spectated at the event. Macmillan is hoping to surpass this target this year, however.

Emma Lovesey, challenge events programme manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, said of the swim series: ‘Whether you swim competitively, for fitness or just for fun, All Out Swim is a brilliant opportunity to challenge yourself – and most importantly every pound you raise will help ensure no one faces cancer alone.’

When you sign up for All Out Swim, Macmillan will send you a fundraising pack in the post, which will contain a guide for raising sponsorship, training guide and sponsorship form among other things. You will also receive a free swimming cap, arm band, and t-shirt so everyone will know what a good thing you are doing for Macmillan!

So why not give it a go? Push yourself to the limit and test your stamina. Get your friends and family involved by taking part with you, or simply watching you give it your best effort. Remember to get as much sponsorship as possible – raising £200 would fund a nurse for a day.

Emma adds: ‘It is a great day – always so welcoming and full of energy – and the different distances available make the challenge suitable for both new and experienced swimmers, so everyone can get involved without feeling uncomfortable. Sign up now and set yourself a challenge to work towards.’

Macmillan recommends practicing swimming in cold water in preparation for the event, as the temperatures will range from 9˚C to 23˚C. Wetsuits are also recommended for the pools with lower temperatures, or if you have little experience with lower degrees. And wetsuits are compulsory for under-18 participants.

The registration fee is £25 for over-18’s and £17.50 for under 18’s, and there is no minimum sponsorship amount, just give it your best shot. To get involved,  or for more information, sign up online at macmillan.org.uk/alloutswim