Calday Grange swimming pool hosted an overnight swimathon and cake sale to raise much-needed funds for its upgrade.
A total of 30 swimming club members and members of the public of all abilities swam 3,264 lengths from Friday 8 March – Saturday 9 March – equal to 51 miles, or a return trip across the English Channel.
Their efforts brought in £3,600, taking the total amount raised so far to £12,000 of the £60,000 required.
The aim is to create new disability access, an open-plan reception area and refurbish the changing rooms.
The pool was built in 1922 so the upgrade will enable it to meet modern day standards, allowing it to continue to serve the needs of the 2,500 people who come through the doors on a weekly basis.
As a registered charity, Calday Pool is funded entirely by donations from the public, members and swimming clubs, so is reliant on grants and donations to fund the improvements.
Calday Swimming Pool manager, Gary Lewis, said: “We’re delighted with the result from our overnight swimathon and cake sale – it’s amazing to see the target smashed, and great to see so many people taking part from this fantastic community”.
Heather Lovell, Swimming Club and Calday Pool Committee member, who organised the event, said: “It’s been a real team effort – from all of the fantastic swimmers smashing their targets to all those who contributed by baking cakes and all of those who have donated through the Go Fund me page and buying cakes, we couldn’t have done it without your support!”
If you would like to support Calday Pool with its fundraising efforts, either by donating via the Go Fund me page or organising a fundraising event, please email gary-lewis@live.com.
