Berkhamsted swimmer makes a big splash for Rennie Grove Hospice Care at its Open Water Swim

A swimmer from Berkhamsted joined over 100 swimmers at Merchant Taylors’ Lake on Saturday for Rennie Grove Hospice Care’s Open Water Swim.

Following a long period of restrictions, the Open Water Swim was the first active event held by charity since September 2020.

Most donned wetsuits, and some even less, as they braved 15-degree water temperatures to raise vital funds for the local charity.

Swimmers were invited to take part in either a timed and or untimed swim and were set off on their challenge one by one, meaning that participants of all capabilities were able to enjoy the lake in a safe and socially distanced manner.

Sam Hollier of Northchurch, Berkhamsted, took the plunge as an avid fan of open water swimming and a supporter of the charity.

Sam said: “We’ve had family members cared for by Rennie Grove.

"The care they provide touched our hearts, so we wanted to get involved and support in some way. I’m a huge lover of open water swimming, and I’ve been doing it for almost two years.

“What I love is that it’s really refreshing to be outdoors with like-minded people, you can’t beat it.

“Having a service like Rennie Grove in the community means everything; for a loved one to be looked after in their own home makes a huge difference to everyone in the family.”

While the untimed swim and the 400m swim proved tough but fun, Rennie Grove reserved one challenge for strong swimmers: the timed 1,500m distance.

Senior Challenge and Special Events Fundraiser, Emily Elvin, said: “We’re thrilled to be hosting outdoor fundraising activities again, and it’s wonderful to see people coming out to show their support.

"Our swimmers have done brilliantly, raising an amazing £12,200 towards our nursing care and support for local families facing life-limiting illness.

"Thank you to Active Training World for supporting the event and helping everything run smoothly on the day.

“Families have been depending on us more than ever during the pandemic, and we continue to rely heavily on the generosity of the community to keep our services going.

"Thanks to our supporters, our nurses have been able to keep visiting patients in their homes throughout.

"Thank you to everyone who participated, your support will help to keep patients at home with their loved ones and make every moment together matter.”