Making a splash with swimming fundraiser

Swimming pools across the Places for People Horsham contract are supporting the Aspire Channel Swim challenge from 8th September – 1st December.
JPCT 020914 S14369999x Horsham. Pavilions in the Park -photo by Steve Cobb SUS-140209-115459001JPCT 020914 S14369999x Horsham. Pavilions in the Park -photo by Steve Cobb SUS-140209-115459001
JPCT 020914 S14369999x Horsham. Pavilions in the Park -photo by Steve Cobb SUS-140209-115459001

Billingshurst Leisure Centre, The Pavilions in the Park and Steyning Leisure Centre are all hoping to inspire local residents to swim the distance of the English Channel in 12 weeks, all in the name of charity.

Aspire is a national charity that provides practical help and support to people who have been paralysed through spinal cord injuries. Now in its 15th year, the Aspire Channel Swim is hoping to raise £400,000 this time round. 5,000 swimmers have already signed up to swim the 22 miles in their local pool and it is hoped that more will soon join them in raising funds, including Horsham residents. According to Aspire, someone is paralysed by a spinal cord injury every eight hours. The charity provides essential services such as accessible housing, grants, assistive technology facilities and practical help to support spinal injured people to live independently.

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Whilst it will be a challenge for swimmers taking part, the health and fitness benefits of completing the Channel Swim are considerable. The NHS has said that regular swimming can reduce the risk of many illnesses, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke. It is also a good way of managing body weight and improving mood.

Tim Bolton, Horsham Contract Manager for Places for People, said: “We’ve chosen to support the challenge across our three sites because of the incredible work Aspire does for people affected by spinal cord injury. We hope Horsham residents will be inspired to raise funds through swimming, benefitting both themselves and others.”

Aspire has partnered up with Zoggs for this year’s challenge, giving participants the chance to win a variety of great prizes, including Zoggs goggles and a Kindle.

If you would like to take part in the challenge or to make a donation, please visit www.aspirechannelswim.co.uk or call 0800 0370 880. You support will make a huge difference to spinal injured people across the UK.

Report contributed by Places for People Leisure Ltd.