March 17, 2014 3.37 pm This story is over 120 months old

Lincoln Swimarathon helps guide dogs for the blind

Swimming for charity: Teams of swimmers took to Yarborough swimming pool on March 16 to raise money for charity.
Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Teams of swimmers in Lincoln took to Yarborough Leisure Centre swimming pool on Sunday, March 16 to raise money for charity.

In an annual competition dubbed the Lincoln Swimarathon, the Rotary Club of Lincoln Colonia challenged teams of up to 6 fundraisers to collect sponsors for Lincoln Guide Dogs for the Blind.

A total of 38 teams took part in the event, covering a combined 5,727 miles.

Each team swam for 55 minutes in a relay lasting from 8.30am to 3.30pm, with officials recording the number of lengths covered.

In first place, swimming a total of 247 lengths, was the UL Manatees with captain Lindsay Brown, D Taylor, G Court, A Evans, S George and D Bishop.

The Vic’s Fishes came in second place after swimming 222 lengths in the 55 minutes. Team members were captain Ian Dennant, Adam Brown, Amy Landsdown, Clint Sawyer, Jo Walker, Tom Thatch.

Placing third was Charlotte’s Fishes with team captain Barry Whalley with Claire Harland, Mathew Harland, Matt Hewitt. They swam a total of 215 lengths.

Westgate Academy had 6 teams swimming and swam a total of 750 lengths in 55 minutes

Lincoln Minster School had 6 teams swimming and swam a total of 758 lengths in 55 minutes.

The Asthma Club had 3 teams swimming and swam a total of 600 lengths in 55 minutes.

All swimmers received a certificate and a medal for taking part and prizes were given to the team and swimmer who completed the most lengths.

Swimarathon organiser Moira Adams said: “Our previous president Dorothy Hancock suggested the idea after hearing about it being held at Grantham.

“The event has grown over the last four years and this year we are supporting the Lincoln Guide Dogs for the Blind. Any money raised will help to buy a guide dog.”