A dozen swimmers took to the waters of the Serpentine in London’s Hyde Park to raise funds for the Panathlon charity at the weekend.
Nearly 5,000 hardy swimmers took part in Swim Serpentine over the course of the day in various ‘waves’ from half a mile, one mile, two miles and right through to the six-mile super swim.
The water temperature was a ‘refreshing’ 15 degrees at the venue that hosted the marathon swimming and triathlon at London 2012 Olympics. This didn’t deter the brave swimmers who were raising funds for Panathlon such as Rebecca McDermott, from our friends at RBC Blue Bay. Rebecca is a previous fundraiser for Panathlon by taking part in various marathons and triathlons – thank you, Rebecca!
Likewise Howard Scholes who has taken part in previous Ride Londons and the London Marathon for Panathlon, managed to beat his time at last year’s swim by six minutes and just sneaked under the one-hour mark for his two-mile swim.
“I love the work that Panathlon do in creating sporting opportunities for children who may not always get the same chances as us, so that’s what motivates me and keeps me going when it gets tough, either in the water, on the bike or on the road!” said Howard after the swim.
Next event up for raising funds for Panathlon, is the Royal Parks Half Marathon on October 13, when 30 runners will be part of Team Panathlon.
Thanks to everyone making an effort and generating much needed funds for Panathlon!
