Published on: Friday 25 Jul 2025 at 08:43
Taking to her local Lido this summer, CEO Sarah Thompson has taken on the mighty challenge of swimming 26.2 miles (approximately 1,470 lengths!) all in hopes of raising £1,600 for St Clare.
Raising £1,600 could pay towards the cost of running our Community Palliative Care team for a day. The team visit patients and their families at home and advise them on how to manage complex symptoms themselves to avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.
We spoke to CEO Sarah to learn more about her challenge and the motivations behind her decision to go the distance for St Clare, one stroke at a time:
What has driven you to take on this challenge for St Clare?
‘It’s been a couple of years since I have taken on a fundraising challenge for the hospice and so I felt it was time.
‘While our NHS funding has remained steady at £2 million, the cost of delivering our services has risen significantly in recent years. As a result, the proportion of our income that comes from the NHS has dropped – from around 40% to closer to 25%.
‘This means we now rely more than ever on the generosity of our local community. It’s thanks to people who believe in what we do that we’re able to keep our services running. I’m committed to supporting our fundraising efforts and being an active part of that side of hospice life.’
Why did you choose swimming as a challenge?
‘I have always enjoyed swimming, although I am not a fast swimmer; I thought a swim marathon would be enough of a challenge whilst enjoying the outdoors and fresh air during the summer and forcing me to get up and away from my desk.
‘I am swimming in a friendly local Lido where I tend to buy a season ticket for the summer and pootle up and down. No ‘wild’ swimming for me – I prefer to see where I’m putting my feet!’
How are you finding the challenge at the moment?
‘I found the first week surprisingly easy, but then it got harder for the next few weeks. I have good days and bad days with it where I dread getting in the pool. But at the end of Week 9 of my swim, I reached halfway (13.1 miles) which is just ahead of where I need to be.’
What’s been your highlight so far?
‘The highlight has been the extraordinary support from hospice colleagues who’ve been asking how it’s going, and from lots of friends and people I’ve worked with in the past who’ve so generously sponsored me. I think they’re amazed I’m taking this on, as I’m not known for my physical fitness.
‘Additionally, swimmers seem to be really nice people, so I’ve had some lovely conversations with other regular swimmers who see me ploughing up and down and have seen my swimming bag (which says ‘Sarah’s Swim Marathon for St Clare Hospice’ on it)’
What’s been the most challenging part so far?
‘Getting in the pool when I really don’t feel like it. When the weather has been really hot, it’s been difficult to get into a rhythm because everyone (quite rightly) wants to float about at the end of the pool meaning it’s been hard at times to swim full lengths. I’m so worried about that, so I swim a bit extra to make sure I’ve got the full distance in.’
What support have you received?
‘Lots! Lots of people have generously asked how it’s going and sponsored me, so I’ve raised about £1,500 so far.’
How to support Sarah’s marathon swim fundraiser
You can support Sarah’s phenomenal efforts by donating to St Clare Hospice via her JustGiving page: Donate to Sarah’s JustGiving page
Take on your own personal challenge for St Clare
Feeling inspired? Click here to learn more about taking a challenge for St Clare or contact Sarah Piercy (Challenge Events Relationship Fundraiser) via –
Email – sarah.piercy@stclarehospice.org.uk
Phone – 01279 773750