A group of friends from Cumbria have raised more than £10,000 for ShelterBox over 15 years with an annual swimathon.
They are members of Grange Soroptimists and have taken part in the swimathon run by the Rotary club at Kendal Leisure Centre since 1989.
They have raised funds for ShelterBox since 2009.
Club member Isabel Huggett said: “Our team, who are mostly from the Grange-over-Sands area, swim in a relay for 55 minutes and have sponsorship from club members, friends and family.
“We even had a virtual swimathon on Zoom in 2021! This year we managed a staggering 168 lengths, with two swimmers in the water all the time and a triathlon swimmer on the team.”
ShelterBox is an international disaster relief charity based in Cornwall, which specialises in emergency shelter for people left without shelter after disasters and conflict across the world.
Isabel added: “It’s a great way of getting to know people as we chat between lengths. We have fun and a sociable meal together afterwards. We feel really good about this year’s result, giving us a buzz and great sense of achievement.
“We have fun and although sometimes we feel rather slow compared to other teams, it’s the taking part and sponsorship that’s important.”
In addition to crucial shelter aid, ShelterBox also supports affected communities with training, cash assistance, and essential items like water filters, mosquito nets, and solar lights. Every disaster and conflict is different, so ShelterBox tailors its aid to each response, so people get the support they need.
Community Engagement Officer at ShelterBox, John Stanbury said: “We’re incredibly grateful to the Grange Soroptimists for their long-standing support. Raising such an incredible amount through their annual swimathon is a remarkable achievement.
“Together, they show how determination and teamwork can make a real difference – whether swimming lengths or hosting a virtual event when they couldn’t meet in person.
“Their dedication year after year shows how community-led fundraising can have a lasting impact for families who’ve lost so much to disaster or conflict.”
