Devon Swim

Swim for Hospiscare this September

Published: July 14, 2009 at 10:54 am

Devon charity Hospiscare is challenging swimmers to take part in Devon’s first-ever lake open-water swim and raise money to help ease the pain of terminal illness.



The Hospiscare One Mile Swim across Roadford Lake, near Okehampton, will take place on 26 September. Around 1,500 swimmers from all over the West Country are expected to take part in the challenge which is open to all swimmers, from novices to ‘elite’ participants.



The entry fee is £25, which covers the cost of the event, and participants are being encouraged to raise as much sponsorship as possible for Hospiscare’s ‘Ease the Pain’ appeal, which provides community based care and support for people in Devon with terminal illness, and their families.



Organiser Vicky Lachenicht said: “We are expecting large numbers to sign up for the swim as there isn’t any other event like this in the area. It’s going to be a very exciting day both for the swimmers and spectators. The location of the lake is fabulous on the edge of beautiful Dartmoor and we are hoping that participants will raise as much sponsorship as they can. Even a novice swimmer can swim a mile if they start training now. It’s the perfect opportunity to get fit whilst raising money for local people.”



Hospiscare has launched a dedicated website at www.onemileswim.co.uk for anyone interested in taking part. The website is full of useful information including registration details, training tips, fundraising advice, news and information about the event itself.



Hospiscare’s ‘Ease the Pain’ appeal is aiming to raise £3.5 million this year which will enable the charity to continue caring for patients with terminal illness and their families in Exeter, Mid and East Devon.



To enter, visit www.onemileswim.co.uk, pick up an entry form from Hospiscare reception or one of its 16 shops, or call Vicky on 01392 688063.