Luke Takes the Plunge at the Great North Swim

On Sunday 14th June Luke Vaughan from Chadderton, Manchester is taking the plunge by swimming two miles through Lake Windermere, Cumbria at the Great North Swim. He is doing this to raise money for Ward 84, the regional centre for the treatment of childhood cancer.

In 2013 Luke’s son, Alex, was diagnosed with Leukaemia, two weeks before his 7th birthday and spent weeks at the time on Ward 84 . Once he was on the mend dad, Luke, wanted to do something to give back to the hospital. Last summer Luke completed the Great Manchester Swim raising almost £500, but this year decided to go one further by swimming two miles around England’s largest lake.

Luke says:

“The Great Manchester Swim was good fun but I feel like I have to go bigger and better every year. I like to push myself to the limit.  However hard I train and push myself, it's nothing compared to what these children go through on a daily basis, without a choice. I've been training at Uswim Salford Quays and can now do the full two miles.”

The Great North Swim is Europe’s biggest open water swimming event with around 10,000 participants. Over three days, participants of all abilities can complete a range of distances.

Luke continues:

“If it wasn't for the tireless efforts of the doctors and nurses at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Alex wouldn't be here today. We spent weeks at a time on Ward 84 and witnessed, first hand, what a difference charitable donations make from; new toys, personalised gifts, Easter eggs, Christmas presents & so on, the list goes on. Alex was just one boy on one ward, the hospital sees over 220,000 patients each year so please help make every child's stay a little easier.”

Hannah Thomas, Events Manager for Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity, added:

“We’re thrilled that Luke is going one further this year and is taking the plunge in Lake Windermere for Ward 84. The funds raised means that we can provide additional resources that make life a little easier for patients and their families on the ward. We all wish Luke the best of luck, we’re sure his dedication and training will pay off!”

To sponsor Luke visit his Justgiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/Luke-Vaughan2/