About 200 swimmers raise thousands for charities at annual Rotary SwiMarathon in Harborough

Talk about splashing the cash!

Almost 200 swimmers have already raked in over £5,000 for local charities and worthy causes – and more cash is set to come flooding in.

They swam their hearts out in the annual Rotary SwiMarathon at the leisure centre in Market Harborough at the weekend.

Click here to see more photos from the event.

Carole Baldam, chair of the group of Rotarians staging the spectacular fundraiser, said: “We had a brilliant time – and it’s been hugely successful.

“It’s a real community event – the whole sports centre was buzzing.

“It’s great to see so many people of all ages having so much fun – and raising money for so many worthwhile causes.”

She said two teams of seven swimmers from Robert Smyth Academy swam a staggering 137 and 143 lengths respectively in a 50-minute relay.

“Six teams of 19 swimmers from Spectrum Autism completed a fantastic 525 lengths.

“And that tots up to 13km,” said Carole.

“Altogether 42 teams, comprising over 186 swimmers, swam 5008 lengths - which is nearly 125km.

“Their efforts have raised over £5000 so far.

“And that means we’ve topped an amazing £70,000 since we launched the SwiMarathon 10 years ago.”

She said about 20 local business sponsors also supported the SwimMarathon with donations.

“So all the swimmers’ sponsorship money will all go back to local good causes and charities.

“So please apply now for grants to help support the excellent work that you do in our local community,” said Carole.

“The cash raised will boost local causes and some will go to Rotary charities.

“Harborough FM radio were at the poolside providing good music for the swimmers and spectators as they gave everyone a running commentary.”

She said the Market Harborough Rotary Club was very grateful to the business sponsors:Brooke House College, Denhams Jewellers, Dunleavy’s hairdressers, ET Peirson, Harborough FM Radio, Everyone Active Harborough Leisure Centre, Lewingtons Heating Engineers, Mayday Finance, Mistry’s Pharmacy, PJD – design and print, Specsavers, J Stamp and Sons, Stephen Sanderson Transport, Taylor Wimpey, Tim Thornton Jewellers, Wade’s Glass, Walker Forestry Conservation, Wilkinson Goldsmiths and Wingates Galleries.

“Awards for the teams who swam most lengths, had the best team name, and raised most money will be given out at a special presentation event on June 8,” said Carole. “And if you would like to apply to us for a grant for a local good cause please email: [email protected]”