Charity swim by Caithness woman raises over £1500 for Breast Cancer Now
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A CAITHNESS woman has raised over £1500 for a cancer charity after completing a swim of almost 11 miles. Lesley Double from Thrumster decided to undertake the challenge as she has family and friends who had or are recovering from the disease. Her efforts during the month of July raised £1548 for the research and support charity Breast Cancer Now and contributed to a UK total of over £310,000. Swimmers from all over the country took part in the fund-raiser.
Lesley, who started wild swimming and paddle boarding last year, broke her ankle in August last year and was unable to walk for months. "I found it very hard but was determined to get walking as soon as possible and then strengthen the ankle by swimming," she said. Friends helped and encouraged her and even joined her swimming while she was getting fitter.
Lesley did the charity swim in stages in the sea, in the North Baths outdoor pool and the Wick swimming pool. She started at Staxigoe harbour on July 1 and finished her marathon 10.9 mile swim there on July 30.
And by chance, during the final swim she met a Spanish family from Seville and discovered that wife and mother, Pilar Sanchez, was diagnosed with breast cancer during the coronavirus pandemic and is in recovery. The family was on holiday in Scotland.
Lesley said: "We had taken photos at each swim and were deciding who would take the final photo and asked this man in a camper van if he would take it. He and his family are from Spain and, of all coincidences, it turned out that his wife, Pilar had breast cancer. She lost her grandmother and mother to breast cancer too. The couple and their seven-year-old daughter, Lara, joined us after the final swim to share breakfast. I spoke with her a lot and she stressed the importance of never missing a scan and seeking advice if you notice any changes.
"Meeting Pilar and her family made it very special. We have kept in touch and they will be coming back here next year," said Lesley, who was also delighted by a surprise visit from her youngest daughter, Erica, who travelled from her home in Angus with her two children – five-year-old daughter, Olivia and son, Arthur (3) to be there for the final swim at Staxigoe. Erica took part while Olivia went into the water as well and did her bit to help her granny. Lesley's son Gordon and his partner, Julie, who live in Thurso were unable to be there but saw and congratulated her after she completed her month-long endeavour.
Lesley, who has five children, is delighted with the amount she raised for the cancer charity and the support she received from family, friends and local businesses for her fund-raising efforts.
"There were over 20 people there for the final swim. It was fantastic and I met so many lovely people. I am so grateful to everyone who has made the amount raised possible and for making it a day to remember," she added.
