15/02/2010
A group of young swimmers are to cover the equivalent of the English Channel as a charity tribute to their former coach.

The 35-strong junior development squad from the City of Sheffield club, whose ages range from 11 to 17, will be raising money for the Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity in memory of Keith Downing who died from lung cancer three years ago.

The younger swimmers will tackle the 21 miles (33,600 metres) in relay teams of three at different sessions while older, stronger members will strike out on their own.

Current coach Dave Naughton said: “The challenge is for the swimmers to cover the Channel distance in ten hours, which equates to 1,344 lengths of a 25m pool. That works out at roughly two miles every hour. Unfortunately we can’t swim the Channel itself so we are making full use of the wonderful facilities in Sheffield.”

Most of the swimming will be completed in February and March at Ponds Forge, with the event culminating at Goodwin Sports Centre on Saturday, March 27.

Proceeds from the sponsored swim will be split between Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity and the City of Sheffield club.

Dave added:”It’s quite a formidable target but we’re determined to get there as a tribute to Keith and all the other people we know who have received treatment at Weston Park. The work they do there is absolutely fantastic.”

The challenge, which hopes to raise in excess of £5,000, has the backing of Joan Weatherington, this year’s Yorkshire Amateur Swimming Association president, who will be attending several of the sessions.

Catherine Newman, senior fundraiser and Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity, said: “We are absolutely delighted by the efforts of the City of Sheffield swim club – the youngsters taking part in this fundraiser are a real inspiration. We wish them all the very best for what will be an incredible achievement.”