Thousands raised for charity in Lions’ sponsored swim

The Annual Lions Club of Frome  28th  Sponsored Swim, held at  Frome Leisure Centre, saw 39 teams swim for their chosen charities, raising an estimated total of over £7,500.Organisers report that the event, held on Sunday 25th March, was slightly down on last year, mainly down to some public school teams breaking up for Easter. However, a total of 1,860 lengths of the pool were recorded which is about 55 miles in distance.   Teams of six swimmers were pitted against the clock as they swam the most number of lengths in relay for 25 long minutes. The organisers said, “As always, the atmosphere was fun, if tense, from the parade around the pool, to the start of the siren, with mostly occasional swimmers trying their hardest.“This year the record for the number of lengths swam was by Warminster Swimming Club’s ‘A Team’, who swam 86 lengths. “A few teams turned up with one or two swimmers short of the six they could use; fortunately there are a few volunteers who help make up the numbers. “James Short and Judy Chant were two who in particular should be mentioned for the many times they swam to help. In fact Judy has swum in this event for the last 19 years -what a lot of lengths that must be!” The Lions give many thanks to Yeoman Asphalt Ltd for sponsoring the event, thereby covering the administrative costs and allowing the entire money raised to go to the worthy causes. “Also, thanks must go to the many swimmers for their efforts, and to their sponsors for being so generous, all of which make this fun event so rewarding.” A rough estimate of the money raised on the day is over £7,400, this will only go up with the addition of sponsorship forms not yet received, and Gift Aid which has not been calculated.  The Lions Club of Frome would like to urge teams to send in any outstanding sponsorship money as soon as possible. The teams swimming share the money raised on sponsorship between their chosen cause and the Frome Lions Charity Fund on a 50:50 basis. There is a presentation night which will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Hall, on Park Road, Frome on Friday 27th  April at 7.30pm, when it is hoped that all teams will be represented. Light refreshments will be provided.