Swimming gran takes plunge for hospice
A grandmother of 2 put on her swimming hat to take the plunge and raise money for a children’s hospice.
Lin Cryer, 73, from Hanham, Bristol, swam 7 miles in 7 hours over 7 days at Longwell Leisure Centre to raise money for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW).
She took up the challenge as part of the charity’s Swim 10K in May fundraiser.
Lin, who spends her spare time knitting, reading and gardening, smashed her initial fundraising target of £50 – raising £520.
“I had wonderful support from my family and friends and the people at the swimming pool,” said Lin
“To raise so much money was wonderful.”
Lin swims every week at the leisure centre but said her 7 day stint was quite a challenge.
“I don’t usually swim that far,” she said.
“I normally just plod up and down, so this was much harder work.”
Lin has long been a supporter of CHSW after visiting Charlton Farm children’s hospice in Wraxall shortly after it opened in 2007.
She has also taken part in the charity’s Granny Trek event on several occasions and has played the CHSW lottery since its launch.
“We came up to visit Charlton Farm as it was being built and then returned shortly after it opened,” said Lin.
“The work that goes on up there to help the families just blew my mind – it’s a very special place.”
If you have been inspired by Lin visit www.chsw.org.uk/fundraising and pick your next fundraising challenge for CHSW.