Birtley swimmer makes splash for local pool

A Birtley swimmer is preparing to complete an almost 30-mile fundraising challenge aimed at supporting the future of his local community pool.

Paul Snaith will tackle an 11.5-mile open water swim across Windermere next Saturday (September 12), marking the final and longest leg of his Four Lakes Challenge.

The endurance effort has already seen Paul swim across three of the Lake District’s best-known stretches of water – Derwentwater, Coniston and Ullswater – with Windermere set to bring the challenge to a close.

Funds raised will support Birtley Community Pool, which relies on fundraising, volunteers and backing from the local community to help meet its running costs and continue providing swimming facilities.

Paul, who is both a regular swimmer and volunteer at the pool, devised the Four Lakes Challenge as a way of pushing himself physically while helping a facility that plays an important role in the community.

With almost 30 miles of open water covered by the time he reaches the finish, the Windermere leg will provide the toughest test of the challenge.

Paul is now hoping for a final fundraising push ahead of the swim, appealing to residents, businesses and other organisations to support his efforts.

He said: “This has been a huge challenge, both physically and mentally, but knowing that I’m doing it to help Birtley Community Pool has kept me going.

“The final swim in Windermere is 11.5 miles, so it’s going to be a tough one, but I’m determined to finish the Four Lakes Challenge and hopefully raise as much money as possible for the pool.

“Birtley Community Pool is a fantastic community facility and I’d love people to get behind the challenge and help us raise the funds needed to keep it going.”

Money raised through the challenge will go towards the continued operation of the community-run pool and help it remain available to swimmers in Birtley and the surrounding area.

To support Paul and donate to the Four Lakes Challenge, click here.

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