April 21, 2016 10.22 am This story is over 95 months old

Courageous fundraisers to swim for 24 hours in Lincoln lake

Two ambitious fundraisers are planning to swim for 24 hours in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK in a bitterly cold Lincoln lake. Gareth Maddison, 35, and Andy Green, 33, will swim alternatively for an hour at a time between 7pm on Tuesday, June 21 and 7pm on Wednesday, June 22, in aid of dementia research. The…

Two ambitious fundraisers are planning to swim for 24 hours in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK in a bitterly cold Lincoln lake.

Gareth Maddison, 35, and Andy Green, 33, will swim alternatively for an hour at a time between 7pm on Tuesday, June 21 and 7pm on Wednesday, June 22, in aid of dementia research.

The pair are expected to swim 38,616 metres in total, braving cold temperatures through the night, alongside other teams and individuals at the event.

The event is being organised by local swimming coach company 100% Swimming, at the Activities Away lake off Thorpe Lane on the outskirts of Lincoln.

Gareth, who lives in Lincoln with his partner, Teri Marshall and two children said: “Teri’s grandmother had dementia for a year before she passed away. We know what a devastating impact it can have on families.

“My colleague’s mother also has dementia so we want to do everything we can to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK.”

Gareth understands the effects dementia has on a family

Gareth understands the effects dementia has on a family

In preparation, both Gareth and Andy will be swimming in excess of 20km a week to build their stamina.

Andy, who lives in Sheffield, works as a key account manager for a large engineering firm.

He said: “I’m aware that this is going to be a huge challenge but we’re thrilled to be able to raise vital funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK.”

Jessica Hiscocks, Regional Fundraising Officer at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “We can’t thank Gareth and Andy enough for their determination to help us fight dementia.

“There are 850,000 people across the UK living with dementia, including more than 11,000 in Lincolnshire.”

You can donate towards Gareth and Andy’s swim here.