Thousands of pounds raised during returning King's Lynn Swimarathon
Scores of swimmers made a big splash for charity in Lynn at the weekend.
More than 100 people took part in the town's third Swimarathon, staged by the Priory Rotary Club, at the St James Pool on Saturday.
And officials, who have already set a date for next year's event, expect to raise thousands of pounds for a host of locally-based good causes.
Officials say that online donations and contributions from sponsors – including the Lynn News – have already raised around £7,500 for nominated charities.
And Adrian Thorarinsson, one of the event's organisers, says he is confident that total will rise to around £10,000 as money continues to come in.
Causes benefitting from the proceeds of the event include West Norfolk Carers, West Norfolk Riding for the Disabled, the Lavender Hill Mob, the Purfleet Trust, Little Discoverers, Gaywood Church drop-in centre, Break childrens’ homes and the 8:56 Foundation.
Many of those organisations were represented among the 23 teams who took part in the eight-hour event, which also included a Mini Swimarathon for children for the first time.
A total of 116 swimmers participated, covering more than 3,000 lengths of the pool between them.
The strongest swimmers were the junior members of West Norfolk Swim Club, who filled three of the top four places overall, while the best ladies team was Stina, with 152 lengths completed by only three swimmers.
The strongest charity was Team 8:56, followed by Little Discoverers and the first of the two Magpie (West Norfolk Riding for the Disabled) teams.
And the best childrens’ teams were the Chlorine Machine (secondary school) and the Wootton Boys (primary school).
Mr Thorarinsson thanked all the volunteers who ensured the event ran smoothly, and all the business sponsors and donors, including main sponsor Adrian Flux Insurance, for their support.
A presentation evening, when benefiting organisations will receive their share of the funds raised, is expected to take place in the coming weeks.
The club has also announced that the 2023 Swimarathon is scheduled to take place on Saturday February 25, again at the St James Pool.