Do the Bann and Beyond challenge for BanD

Their annual ‘Swim4Life - The Bann and Beyond’ challenges people to help the group to swim the distance of the River Bann, which is 129km long and the longest river in Northern Ireland. It’s also equivalent to 5,160 lengths of the swimming pool in Banbridge Leisure Centre.

The charity is asking is that your family swims a few lengths and raises a minimum of £10 sponsorship. If you pre-register by Tuesday August 23 they will give you a free relaxed swim straight after your chosen time slot too.

You can pre-register your time slot and collect your sponsor form from Banbridge Leisure Centre’s reception.

Last year a total distance of 3,630.5 lengths of the pool was swam. That’s equivalent to 89.18 kilometres of the River Bann, meaning swimmers on the day almost cleared Lough Neagh, and raising a fantastic £1,865.06.

Marie Curie Nurses provide free nursing care to cancer patients and those with other terminal illnesses in their own homes (free of charge). The cost of supplying one hour of nursing time is £20. Help BanD to reach more people who are terminally ill, by allowing them to spend precious time at home with their families.

Please arrive in plenty of time for your chosen time slot. The first time slot is at 7.30am, with the final one at 9.10pm. Please bring your sponsor form and money (preferably in cheque form) raised with you. Please make cheques payable to Marie Curie Cancer Care.

There will be spot prizes and for more information please contact Siobhan Keegan on 07762 200575 or Marie Curie Head Office contact: Phil Kane 028 90882066.

Swimming can be strenuous and you must make sure you are in good health. If you have any medical conditions that could be adversely affected by exercise, particularly a heart condition, or if you are in any doubt about your health, you must get clearance from your doctor before participating. For swimmers under 16 years of age parental permission is required. Photographers will be present at this event; therefore if you are captured on camera your picture may be included in promotional material. No more than 10 people at any time. Please note standard Pool ratios apply on adults to children.