The Great Salford Swim

Michelle Milburn has been raising money for both St Mary’s Hospice, Ulverston and St John’s Hospice, Lancaster, by taking part in The Great Salford Swim. We’ll let Michelle tell you why she chose to take part in the swim...

“Why did I take part in the 1 mile Swim???

I wanted to help raise money, to enable more people to be cared for in their own home. Just as myself, I'm sure most of you have been touched by the effects of cancer some time in your life whether it be yourself, family or friends.

I watched the Great North Swim last year from the Low Wood Hotel, Windermere. The swimmers made it look easy. My mum had just been diagnosed with lung cancer and a brain tumour and although I had not swum for about 20 years, I thought this would be a good challenge for me and to raise money for both Hospices. My mum died in January this year and her last few months were spent at home in familiar surroundings with family and friends. This was made possible with the help of St John's Hospice outreach service who gave us support and a break. I have also had other family members looked after in St Mary's Hospice.

I therefore started my challenge and was swimming on a regular basis. I soon got back in to the rhythm and was able to swim 1 mile in the pool in less than 40 minutes. On Tuesday the 20th July, I bought my wet suit and went for my first swim in Coniston Lake. I found swimming in the lake very difficult compared to the swimming pool. The water was brown and I couldn't see more than 2 ft into the water. It was very daunting and I worried about what was lurking beneath the surface! I also found that for the first five minutes, the cold water took my breath away and I was unable to do my usual stroke. Swimming further out to the middle of the lake, I started to doubt myself and felt anxious that there was no bottom or sides to touch and we just had to keep going. The Skies were dark, it was raining and cold. "What am I doing out here”, I asked myself. With friends support I continued and started to enjoy it. It was an amazing feeling bobbing around in the middle of a lake looking at the view with heavy rain falling. I finished the swim although I kept on going off course, this adding to the distance.

I was originally entered in the Great North Swim, but when it was cancelled on the 4th September, I was really disappointed; the weather was good, I felt prepared and was hyped up ready for the challenge.

The plan changed. The British Gas Great Salford Swim on the 26th September was a new event for 2010 – the latest addition to the British Gas Great Swim series. A one-mile outdoor swim taking place in Salford Quays, Manchester and to my surprise there were spaces left. So I registered. It might not have been in the beautiful lakes with the back drop of the mountains, but it was an opportunity to complete the one mile swim. To my surprise it was very well organised, the water was clear and I could see the bottom. After the initial 200 meters where swimmers were fighting to find a space, the punching and kicking stopped and I settled in to a rhythm. It was also nice to see my family walking along side of the Docks supporting me. I completed the 1 mile course in 36.53 minutes.

I would like to thank all of you who donated and supported me. A fantastic total of £860.16 was raised, working out at £413.58 for St Mary’s Hospice and £446.58 for St John’s Hospice.

All sponsors who left their name and address were automatically entered in to a free prize draw for a 2 night stay, self catering, at 2 Laigh Isle, Isle of Whitworth. This was drawn on 27th September and the lucky winner was from Barrow in Furness!" www.holidayisleofwhithorn.co.uk