Swimmers take the plunge for charity

THIS year’s Thame Swimathon saw 19 teams cover around 34 miles between them for charity on Sunday, February 28, raising just over £4.3 k towards good causes

EYAI team with Peter Hook (2nd right), President of the Rotary Club of Thame

Teams of up to six swimmers took part in this, the fourth Thame Swimathon, organised by the Rotary Club of Thame with generous support from Thame Leisure Centre, Park Street Dental Clinic, Abbotts Office Solutions, Vale Life Magazine, Haddenham Beer Festival, Booker Tate, Ignite Sport, and Silent View Windows.

The teams swam a total of 2,191 lengths and as the online fundraising is still open, the final figure will be known some time after April 2.

All of Thame Swimming Club’s teams performed very well, as expected, covering almost 15 miles among them. Two of the club’s teams, captained by Ben Williams and Marcus Birmingham, swam the same number of lengths: 177.

One of the teams swam for EYAI – Enhancing Young Adults Independence, a start-up charity which was setup only last year with the aim to give practical and vocational skills to young people who are actively seeking work. The new charity took off with professional support from members of the Rotary Club of Thame.

Marius Ciortan, Chairman of the Thame Swimathon Steering group, said: “The teams had a fantastic time in the swimming pool and enjoyed themselves. We would like to thank all teams for participating and hope to see all of them again at the next edition of the Thame Swimathon.”

Marius added: “We are grateful to the Thame Leisure Centre staff who were extremely helpful prior and during the event. We would like to thank also all our local volunteers and club members with their families and friends who supported the event. Last and not least, credit goes also to our corporate sponsors who helped us to cover the costs for our event.”

Marius concluded: “It is still not too late to show your appreciation for the teams’ efforts by donating to the good causes, including Rotary Club of Thame’s charities – including Citizens Advice Bureau and Medical Detection Dogs –  and lots of others chosen by the teams. You can find My Donate links to support teams like EYAI, Thame Swimming Club, Richards Family, Bill Family and Weights Fitness on the www.thame.rotary1090.org website or www.facebook.com/thamerotary.”