Swimmers raise money for charity

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Seven teams from across the borough of Rochdale took part in a charity swimathon yesterday (Sunday 20 March 2011).

The event, now in its 22nd year was organised by the Littleborough and District Lions and held at the Wardle High School swimming pool.

Approximately £1,400 was raised through sponsorship and will be split 50/50 between the Lions and each team’s chosen charity.

Each team, made up of six members, was given a 25 minute slot in which they had to swim as many lengths as they could.

The teams which took part were: Fred’s Flier, Sue’s Surfers, Reder’s Rovers, The Allsorts, Team Jungmayr and two teams from the Wardle Scouts.

Fred’s Fliers were presented a trophy for completing the most lengths and Sue’s Surfers were presented with a shield for raising the most money – their total was £406.50.

Four of the teams pledged their share of the money to Rochdale Heartbeat, the Wardle Scouts raised money for the Scouts and one team pledged their money to the Suubi Children's Home in Uganda.

Steve Lister from the Littleborough Lions said: “It went terrific as usual.”

He added: “It was an excellent day. We always enjoy it. We must give thanks to the school who let us use the pool free of charge.”

Mr Lister is urging other people to get involved for next year’s swimathon. He said it is important to stress that each group can choose what their share of the money is spent on.

The half of the money which goes to the Lions will go into a ‘general pot.’