Successful Northwich swimathon raises thousands for charity

The pool at the Memorial Court witnessed 25 teams, comprising nearly 200 swimmers, taking part in the 20th Northwich Rotary Charity Swimathon over the weekend of March 26 and 27.

The swimmers were supported throughout by their very vocal friends, colleagues and family members.

Celebrating 100 years of Rotary in the town, the event was organised by Northwich Rotary Club with help from Friends of Rotary and family members and supported by staff from Brio Memorial Court.

"In the 20th year of our Rotary Swimathon we once again saw teams enthusiastically raising money for good causes, including our selected charities The Deafness Support Network and Riding for the Disabled," Rupert Adams Northwich Rotary Club president saidd.

"I would like to thank everyone who participated, helped or came along to watch; everyone’s input  contributed immensely to the success of the event."

Garnet Ronander Rotarian and Event Sponsor- Ubuntu Wealth Management, Rupert Adams President Northwich Rotary Club, Paul Dutton District Governor Elect District 1180, Puddle Ducks Mascot and Swimmers from Puddle Ducks, the new early learning swimming facility in Barons Quay

Bernard Keogh, chair of the Swimathon Committee, said: "After the impact of Covid which caused us to cancel the 2020 and 2021 events it was great to see teams eager to participate once again and although numbers were down on previous years we were delighted with the level of interest. 

"While this is primarily a fun event that is open to all ages and abilities where the emphasis is on fundraising, there is inevitably an element of competition between some of the teams.

"This year, 3,580 lengths were swum, which equates to a distance of 56 miles (equivalent to the distance between Northwich and Colwyn Bay), with Northwich Centurions Sharks Team topping the table, achieving 234 lengths in their allotted 55-minute slot.”

Sponsorship money for this year’s event is still being collected and the final total will not be known for some weeks.

Bernard added: "We are hoping to add a decent sum to the total raised over the last 19 years, which stands at more than £160,000."

All the money raised through sponsorship goes to good causes as the costs incurred in running the event are covered by sponsorship from Ubuntu Wealth Management, along with a contribution towards catering from Roberts Bakery and Tesco, and support from Brio Leisure.