Swimming for Glasgow Children's Hospital

We are now fast approaching the time for our Channel Swimmers to head down south for their swim. One team member Fiona has been exceptionally busy fundraising, her husband wrote the below piece which we wanted to share.

Many of you know Fiona has been raising funds for our local children’s hospital for some time now since our niece started her treatment there for Leukaemia. She tragically lost her fight last autumn just days before her 7th birthday after a 3 year battle.

Ever since then Fiona has doubled down on her efforts to raise money for the hospital in an effort to give a little back for all the extraordinary kindness and care they showed all our family throughout the course of her treatment.

 About this time last year her (also slightly mental) swimming coach was seeking out volunteers to take part in a CROSS CHANNEL RELAY SWIM and who was first to throw her hat in the ring…..Fi. At that time she knew nothing of what would came next.

The effort she has put in over the course of the last year has been absolutely herculean …..say nothing for the challenge itself which has apparently been completed by less people than have summited Everest.

When: Some stage between 2nd and 6th October ….could be 3 hours notice

Distance: 21.4 miles ….if you manage a straight line

Obstacles: world’s busiest shipping lane (for now this is pre Brexit) with over 800 ships …tankers/ferries and more every day

Duration: 13-18 hours …dependent on waves/weather conditions

Oh yeah and no wet suits allowed for it to be official …..and a host of other crazy rules

 She is joined on this relay by 3 equally bonkers swim sisters in all female crossing ….their window of opportunity (weather permitting) is first week in October when the water temperature is set to be about 11-12 degrees!!!

 Anyway here I am sat at the side of lake Windermere (typing this note) dutifully watching her put some more time in …..I swear at the moment if she could find a puddle deep enough she would start swimming.

Fiona is attempting to raise ￡20,000 for the hospital through her fundraising this year, and after a phenomenally successful ladies night (pics below) she hosted less than 2 weeks ago where a total of over ￡15,000 was raised she is well on her way to achieving that milestone.

Many of you are anticipating this note and have been badgering me for the justgiving link (below) whereas many more of you are hearing about this for the first time.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/fiona-jackson18 

As the statistics tell us Cancer affects 1 in 2 in Britain which is unthinkable but many of those behind the statistics are children like Holly.

Whether it has been securing the night swim certificate ….or the 2 and 3 hour swims at first light in the sea ….any time its hard Fi tells me she just digs in and remembers her pain is her choice and it will soon be over.

I have said enough and taken enough of your time …..if you want to better understand what Fiona is about to take on watch channel 4 this week Stand Up 2 Cancer celebrity swim (very timely) ….personally I am terrified to watch and see the reality of what my amazing, bloody minded wife is about to take on.

 Thank you for your time …..and any contribution you are able to make….every little bit really does make a big difference. 

Monday Night Swim Session 

Monday night swim sessions at Hamilton College have now stopped over the spring/summer months.

Summer Swim Session

Our swim sessions have now finished for the season. Our winter swim sessions will be back on the 3rd November.