Thousands of people from across the UK are signing up for the 11th annual Aspire Channel Swim, where they will swim the distance of the English Channel (22 miles) over 12 weeks in their local pool. It’s a great way of getting fit, losing weight and doing something good for others can be great fun.
Anybody can take part. The young and old, disabled and non-disabled, fit and ‘wanting-to-be-fitter’. In 2009, more than 7,000 swimmers raised nearly half a million pounds to help Aspire support people living with a spinal cord injury in the UK, and this year the charity hopes more than 10,000 people will hit the water from 13th September to 5th December in aid of this great cause.
The Aspire Channel Swim is now in its 11th year and is still growing in popularity as a fun way to get fit and make a real difference to people’s lives.
“The Aspire Channel Swim is about a lot more than getting fit, losing weight and the satisfaction of achieving a goal – it’s also about raising money to help us support more people in their journey from injury to independence,” said Chris Field, Head of Fundraising for Aspire. “This year we are encouraging swimmers to raise as much money as they can, and thanks to our sponsors we’re able to offer some fantastic prizes for those who reach impressive fundraising targets: a commemorative towel (£150+); a Moto kit bag (£400+); a Maru swim pack voucher worth £50 (£750+); and a Dolphin Waterproof MP3 Player from NU (£1,000+).”
Event Information for swimmers
What: swim the distance of the English Channel (22 miles) in your local pool
When: complete the swim any time over 12 weeks, from 13th September – 5th December 2010
Who: anyone can take part – including disabled and non-disabled swimmers –swim on your own or as part of a team
How: sign up at www.aspirechannelswim.co.uk and then create your own online fundraising page at www.justgiving.com
Why: to help Aspire create more independence, choice and opportunity for people living with a spinal cord injury
Each swimmer will receive regular updates and fundraising ideas from Aspire to keep them motivated. They can also keep connected with other swimmers through the Aspire Channel Swim Facebook page and Twitter.
