Coniston, Ullswater and Windermere are set to be part of one woman's swimming challenge in aid of Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).
Katie Taylor-Rossall, a 35-year-old NHS worker from Preston, will be swimming the length of the three lakes as part of her 'summer of swimming' challenge. Over three separate dates, she will cover 24 miles in total and aims to raise £10,000 for the charity.
She is taking on the challenge in memory of her sister Claire, who died from Sudden Arrhythmogenic Death Syndrome at 27 whilst she was running. The swims will mark ten years since Claire’s death.
Katie says: “Claire was a secondary school teacher, engaged, excitedly planning her wedding and looking forward to a bright future. Losing her so suddenly left us heartbroken, with so many questions about how and why this could happen”
CRY offers cardiac investigations and screenings to those aged between 14 and 35 to reduce the number of deaths from heart conditions in young people.
Many of these conditions are asymptomatic so are not detected until it is too late.
They charity also supports families through their bereavement as it did for Katie and her family.
Katie began her training in September and now swims 2-3 times a week. Since beginning her training, she says she feels fitter, stronger and more focussed. Katie will be taking on Coniston on the 20th of June, Ullswater on the 11th of July and Windermere on the 5th of September.
Her friends and family are taking on their own challenges too.
One friend, Nathan, is tackling the Magala Marathon; another friend, Kelly, will be doing the Chester Half Marathon; Christina will be doing the Derby Half Marathon; and Katie’s cousin Rachel is taking on the Offa’s Dyke Path.
Katie added: “The pain of losing Claire will always be with us, and nothing can change that. But if these challenges help raise awareness and vital funds for CRY’s research and screening programme - and ultimately protect young lives - then that’s a legacy truly worthy of Claire.”
If you would like to donate you can at www.justgiving.com/team/10kforclaire.
Share