Oli McCann's 10km marathon swim

4 years on from my 5k Great North Swim, its time to step up the challenge and take on the 10KM marathon swim in, the pinnacle of open water swimming and a seriously challenging event with time restrictions too. I’ve never covered this distance before. Indeed, the 5K Swim in 2019 was my first open water swim and the longest distance I have done at once. I haven’t been back in the open water since. The event takes place on Friday 9^th June 2023 at Lake Windermere, Cumbria.

Of course, I am not doing this without ensuring the effort and challenge can be put to some great causes. As such, I am fundraising monies for Napthens Charity Foundation through which, I will be dedicating an equal split of the funds raised between two very worth charitable causes and which fall within the charitable objectives of Napthens Foundation. The two causes I am wish to support are:-

• The Stroke Association  - in November 2021, a good friend of mine, Steve Smith (CEO of Anthem Engagement and the North West Employee Experience Group) suffered a very severe stroke whilst getting off the plane for a family holiday. He was luck to survive the stroke, brought on by excessively high blood pressure and linked to high levels of stress. He was only 50 at the time, a family man and loved individual within the local business community. Surviving such a stroke was a miracle number 1. Miracle number 2 is the road to recovery and this journey has been ongoing since he came around in hospital. The progress Steve has made so far in such a short time is inspirational, but would not have been possible but for the support of the medical professionals and other rehabilitation specialists, all of who benefit from the research and support services provided by the Stroke Association. Specifically, the Stroke Association needs funds to:

1. Continue Pioneering research to save lives and help stroke survivors to make the best possible recovery; and
2. Deliver specialist support services, my stoke guide and a helpline to ensure stroke survivors get the support they need

 Find out more about how your support helps the Stroke Association 

Steve’s story, coupled with the passing of my father in law due to a stroke in 2013, has inspired me to undertake the Swim Challenge and raise much needed funds for the Stroke Association.

• Blackburn Rovers Community Trust – specifically for the delivery of targeted multi-sports for disabled children at Apple Trees, Blackburn  -  a centre which provides short breaks for children up to the age of 18 with disabilities and which OFSTED reported “The children’s home provides highly effective services that consistently exceed the standards of good. The actions of the children’s home contribute to significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for children and young people with disabilities who need help, protection and care.”

Blackburn Rovers Community Trust (Charity No: 1117122) have been, and wish to continue, to deliver Targeted multi-sports for disabled children at AppleTrees aiding the fantastic support Apple Trees provides for families in need. BRCT’s qualified coaching staff deliver engaging multi-sports sessions focused on the specific needs of the children. However funding is vital to continue this incredibly valuable stimulating inclusive sports programme to disabled children whilst on short breaks at Apple Trees and is another worthy cause.

Find out more about BRCT

I appreciate your support and any sponsorship donations would be appreciated.  All donations will go to two fabulous causes.