It's wetsuit time again as local charity Hospiscare invites keen swimmers to sign up for its third one-mile open water challenge.
Registration is now closedfor the popular fundraiser which will this year be held at Roadford Lake, near Okehampton on Saturday September 24th.
The challenge, which is the only lake-based event of its kind in the south west, is suitable for both novice and experienced open-water swimmers and anyone from the age of 18 is welcome.
Swimmers are encouraged to raise as much sponsorship as possible for Hospiscare which offers a wide range of care and support to families throughout Exeter, mid and East Devon.
Last year more than 400 swimmers took part at Roadford Lake raising more than £40,000 for the charity.
The swim won the backing of sporting legend Steve Cram when he visited Hospiscare in Exeter.
“With any challenge the most important thing is not what you are doing...but why you are doing it,” said Steve. “If you are finding training tough , it is focusing on the WHY that keeps you going. Hospiscare is a great charity and I wish all the fundraisers the very best of luck.”
Former Spotlight presenter Teresa Driscoll, who now works with Hospiscare, said Steve’s words helped to keep her going when she took part in the charity swim last year.
“I had never done an open water swim before so there were moments when I thought – what am I doing,” laughed Teresa. “But the training tips on the charity website were excellent and Steve’s words about motivation really kept me going. The sense of achievement at the end was absolutely fantastic.”
Teresa said that special wetsuits were widely available for hire and although training in open water wasn’t crucial, she found it extremely helpful. “I trained mostly at my local pool to build up stamina but I also made a few trips to Slapton Sands,” said Teresa. “I got some funny looks, especially on cold days but it was very helpful to get used to the wetsuit.”
Full details to for the SWIM are available at www.onemileswim.co.uk
