A fun swimming gala will take place in September to raise money for St Richard’s Hospice.
The event takes place at Pershore Leisure Centre three times a year; June’s event raised £260 for the hospice.
Set for Saturday 15 September, the gala regularly attracts up to 50 swimmers.
Chris Gooderham, organiser, explained : “We launched our first gala in 2015 with the aim of making them the swimming equivalent of Parkrun. They are fun non-competitive races for all ages and all abilities. Simple to enter, participants tell us their expected times and we put them against swimmers of the same ability. There are no age restrictions and we encourage families to enter and swim the family relay. All races are timed and times recorded; the quickest time is held on record – for swimmers to beat in the next gala!”
Each gala typically raises around £250.
The leisure centre gives the organisers a discounted rate for pool hire, resulting in the event being able to raise more funds for the hospice.
Chris is a keen supporter of the hospice and this was the reason behind the event raising funds for its care. Chris has taken part in a number of St Richard’s events in the past including bike challenges helping to raise funds for the charity.
He concluded : “St Richard’s is a very worthy cause and we are delighted to be associated with it. We all know somebody who has been supported by the hospice and for that reason we want to raise as much money as we can.”
Claire James, Fundraiser at St Richard’s Hospice said : “We are so grateful to Chris and his team for choosing to support us in this way. It should be a fabulous fun event and we look forward to cheering on the swimmers on the night. Good luck to all those taking part!”
For further information and to enter please visit www.funswimgala.co.uk