Sheila & Lance’s 80th Anniversary of VE Day Swimathon

Sheila and Lance (pictured above) are both veterans!

 

We’re hoping to raise as much funds as possible for Swansea Veterans Hub.

 

Sheila is 50 years old and served 24 years in the Army, Lance is a mere 78 years old and served 12 years in the RAF including 3 years in the reserve. A combined total of 36 years service.

We are both members of Swansea Veterans Hub. We will be commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE day, which is on 8th May 2025 in the form of a Swimathon (occasionally we will be walking). 

 

80 lengths each per week, totalling 160 lengths per week combined. (64 x 25m = 1 mile)

We both have a series of debilitating health issues, not least of which, Sheila is also Blind!

Given their overall health matters, this is a huge challenge for Sheila and Lance physically.

 

With Sheila’s added sight issues it makes it that more challenging, as she needs assistance to get in and out of the pool! Once she’s in “I feel like a human pinball, bouncing off the ropes marking off my lane, only discovering I've reached the end when I bang my head on the wall then I know it's time to turn around and swim back”!

Seriously, with this in mind coupled with our own limitations, we are aiming to reach a total of 25 miles, which is further than the shortest distance (21 miles) across the channel.

 

We have so far reached over halfway.

 

We commenced our Swimathon on Thursday 27th February 2025 at the Wales National Pool Swansea which we attend Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10.30 and 12.00hrs weekly.

 

Tuesday 6th May 2025 come and watch us reach our journeys end which is expected to be at 11.00hrs. Returning to Swansea Veterans Hub thereafter.

 

We welcome everyone who comes along to the Wales National Pool on Tuesdays and Thursdays and of course especially the final day, on Tuesday 6th May to encourage and support us completing our Swimathon!

 

Swansea Veterans Hub is a social and support group which aims to bring veterans from all services together and out of isolation, give them a safe place to socialize and make new friends.

Both Sheila and Lance have benefited from Swansea Veterans Hub and we want to give something back as a thank you.

It is a vital service, for veterans and families and has proven to be a real life saver.

 

As well as offering support and activities, Swansea Veterans Hub link up with other local and national organisations to ensure our members can access the services they need.

 

To find out more about our drop-in hub and the other support we offer, please feel free to join us at:-

 

Garrison Church Hall, Christchurch, Swansea SA1 3UH every Tuesday 10am to 1pm and Saturday 10am to 12pm.