Basingstoke Lions' swimathon raises thousands for charity (From Andover Advertiser)
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50 swimmers take part in swimathon at Basingstoke Sports Centre
9:00am Monday 18th March 2013 in Basingstoke By Chris Gregory
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Basingstoke Lions organised a swimathon to raise money
FANTASTIC fundraisers dived headfirst into a swimming challenge to raise thousands of pounds for charity.
The annual Basingstoke Lions’ swimathon saw around 50 swimmers in teams of six complete as many lengths of the swimming pool at Basingstoke Sports Centre as they could in 30 minutes.
Organisations who took part included AXA Life, Hospital Radio Basingstoke and local swimming club Basingstoke Bluefins.
Family and friends cheered on those getting in the swim from the centre’s viewing gallery.
The event, in its 30th year, was free to enter, with half of the sponsorship money going to the charities and organisations supported by Basingstoke Lions, and the rest going to charities of the team’s choice.
More than £1,500 was raised on the day, including money raised from a competition to guess the weight of a giant chocolate Easter egg.
Barry Morgan, secretary of Basingstoke Lions, said: “Everyone enjoyed themselves, especially the kids who took part – they absolutely loved it.”
