The 777 Lakes Swim Challenge

Nine determined swimmers recently completed the 777 Lakes Swim Challenge — seven miles across seven Cumbrian lakes in just seven days — raising vital funds for both Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland and the Great North Air Ambulance. From the depths of Wastwater to the beauty of Derwentwater, each swim was met with incredible community support, paddleboard safety crews, and lakeside cheerleaders. The challenge concluded with a celebration at The Wheatsheaf Inn, Abbeytown, where an extra £561 was raised, taking the total to £3,369.58. Special recognition goes to the youngest swimmers, aged 11–15, whose commitment was inspirational.

Emmie age 13

I decided to do the swim challenge because I have always liked swimming and never tried lake swimming before, after watching my mam and dad and the others do it I thought it looked good fun and wanted to give it a try. I felt excited to join the group with such a big challenge an I was happy that we were doing it to raise money for Charity.

Percy age 11

Why did you swim?
I did it because I like swimming, we have some good outdoor places in Cumbria to swim in and doing it for charity made me want to do it more

How did you feel while swimming?
I felt frightened, worried I couldn’t do all of them but there was plenty swimmers helping me along and paddle boarders to make sure we were safe.

How do you feel about fundraising?
I felt proud of myself raising money for 2 charities which were local and some of the other swimmers have needed these charities in the past, this made me more determined to finish the challenge and raise as much money for the charities as possible

Grace & Amelia

We decided to complete the 777 lake swim challenge because we enjoy swimming and love a challenge. We had never swum in a lake before.

We wanted to support Hospice at Home as they helped take care of our great-grandma at home when she was very ill and they were very kind. We also know people who enjoy this charity and who enable people to stay at home when they are very ill — without them these people would most likely be in a hospital or care home.

We had a great time with friends and family, and it wouldn’t have happened without Judy! We would also like to say a big, big thank you to all of our sponsors.

If you know a budding young fundraiser then please get in touch and let us know of their FUNdraising efforts! Click Here >>