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Lisa decided to take part in the Great North Swim for Macmillan in memory of her mum and sister. Here she tells us about why she chose to support Macmillan and how much she enjoyed conquering the open water.
Lisa and David show off their medals
In 2001, Lisa lost her mum to cancer, and eight years later, her sister Jane died of cancer at the age of 52. Lisa says, ‘The support the Macmillan nurses gave my sister, her daughters and our family was incredible. They truly are angels.’
Lisa decided to conquer her fears of open water and take part in the Great North swim with her husband, David to raise money for Macmillan, in memory of her mum and sister. ‘I was afraid of open water, but because Jane lived near Lake Windermere, I decided to swim there to feel closer to her. With every stroke, Jane and my mum were in my heart, and the thought of Jane pushing me on helped me get through to the end.' For Lisa completing the swim was a personal achievement, but she was also proud of the amount of money they raised and knowing it will help support other people affected by cancer.
'I find it difficult to put into words how I felt after the swim. So many emotions, happy, sad, proud, surprised! It was a personal hurdle for me with the fear of the water, but we were proud we raised the amount of money we did, knowing it will help other people.
'I would encourage anyone to take part in a swim - it is such an overwhelming feeling of achievement, and such a feel good factor helping others who have helped us so much. Make sure that you train well and are prepared for the coldness and depth of open water and protect yourselves with a good wetsuit.’
There are lots of swimming events you could take part in for Macmillan across the UK, or why not organise your own? Find the perfect event for you.|
Are you still unsure as to whether you'd like to take part in a swimming event for Macmillan? Find out more about why you should swim for Macmillan.|
I would encourage anyone to take part in a swim - it is such an overwhelming feeling of achievement, and such a feel good factor helping others who have helped us so much. Lisa, Team Macmillan swimmer for the 2011 British Gas Great North Swim.
I would encourage anyone to take part in a swim - it is such an overwhelming feeling of achievement, and such a feel good factor helping others who have helped us so much.
Lisa, Team Macmillan swimmer for the 2011 British Gas Great North Swim.
Every donation, no matter how large or small, will help change the lives of people affected by cancer in the UK.
Swimming is a great way to raise money for Macmillan. And it's great fun. Here is some information to help you prepare for your swim.