Common questions

How do I tell you I'd like to swim for Macmillan?

Once you have decided on your challenge, please fill in our online form|. Once we have your details, we can send you everything you'll need to get started.

I'm signed up to an unlisted event, what should I do?

This section is for anyone who is doing a swimming challenge that we either don't list or it's something you've organised yourself. You might be getting sponsored to swim a certain number of lengths or for taking a dip on New Year's Day. Whatever you are doing, we'd love to know so please get in touch via our online form|. Please be aware that Macmillan are not responsible for these challenges and you will be taking part at your own risk.

How much sponsorship do I neeed to raise?

We do not ask for a minimum amount of sponsorship. However, we encourage all swimmers to try and raise as much as possible. Whatever you raise we are extremely grateful for and it will go a long way to helping people living with cancer.

What kind of support will Macmillan give me?

When you join Team Macmillan you will be supported throughout your entire swim experience. We will send you a free fundraising and training pack and ensure you have everything you need. We're always here to answer any questions you may have.

Will Macmillan help me with my training?

Of course! When you sign up to swim with Team Macmillan, we will provide you with a comprehensive training pack and advice from our Team Macmillan patrons. Our training guide is based on swimming one mile, but if you're doing a different distance we will happily point you towards other training resources.

What happens if I get injured?

If you get injured while training we recomment you contact your GP, physio or specialist sports injury clinic. They will be able to advise if you are fit enough to swim.

Please also let Macmillan know so that we can update out database. 

What difference will my sponsorship make?

Challenge Events are a vital component of our fundraising campaign. The money raised from this event will go a long way to help people affected by cancer:

• £14 could pay for a Macmillan benefits advisor for one hour, allowing them to provide welfare benefits and support advice to people affected by cancer.
• £91.80 could pay for a patient’s yearly prescription.
• £554 could run a typical large Macmillan information and support centre for one day.
• £1,000 could pay for a Macmillan nurse for seven days, providing medical and emotional support to cancer patients and their families.

If you have any further questions please email us at swimming@macmillan.org.uk| or call 020 7840 4619.