Olivia takes on swimathon in grandmother's memory
A swimmer from Staffordshire is set to take on a pool-based fundraiser in memory of her grandmother – and to raise vital funds for charity.
Olivia Bowdler, from Lichfield, will take on the Swimathon event in tribute to her 93-year-old nan Florence Newell who died in April last year from cancer.
Now the 20-year-old – who swims at a centre in Oak Park, Walsall – will take on the virtual swimming challenge for Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie.
Olivia said: “This is my first Swimathon. I heard about it a couple of years ago but never got around to completing one.
"Then my nan passed away from cancer in April last year and I had a reason to complete one as the money raised from the Swimathon goes to such amazing cancer fighting charities.
“I have raised £175 of my £100 target through the funding page, which is still ongoing, and it’s been great to combine two passions of mine – raising money to fight cancer, and getting back in the water.”
Swimmers taking part in the challenge have been asked to track their efforts through MySwimathon.
Swimathon Foundation chairman Anthony Kendall said: “We hope the virtual MySwimathon is a huge success and raises the vital funds that are needed for Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie.”
