SWINDON ASC, the town’s longest established swimming club, has raised £1,200 following a sponsored swim in support of the Guide Dogs For the Blind charity. The event was inspired by Ellie Abrey, one of the club swimmers, after representatives from the charity gave a talk at her school. She was so touched by the cause that she wanted to do something to help.

Alan and Shirley Fletcher, from the charity, were fundraising specifically for the 4pups4Joy Guide Dog appeal – a memorial fund set up following the sudden death of Alan’s guide dog Joy. The appeal hopes to ultimately raise £20,000 to fund a new guide dog for Alan.

The sponsored swim took place over two evenings, one at Milton Road Health Hydro and one at The Rec, Highworth. The event saw around 150 swimmers being challenged to swim as far as they could. The distances achieved ranged from 5m to 10,000m depending on the ability of the swimmer. If you would like to donate towards the training of guide dogs for the partially sighted and blind, visit www.4Joy.co.uk.

For more information about Swindon ASC email swindonascsbailey@gmail.com or visit www.swindonasc.co.uk.