Swimathon event to help raise funds for autism charity

Swimathon event to help raise funds for autism charity

26 June 2019

PEOPLE across the district are being encouraged to put their wetsuits and swimming caps on to help raise for money for Autism NI.

Carryduff’s Let’s Go Hydro is hosting the ‘swimathon’ fundraiser on Sunday, September 1.

The charity’s chief executive, Kerry Boyd, is delighted with the event and plans to take part.

“This will be a fun event for swimmers at all levels and an opportunity for participants to show support for the autism community,” she said.

Parent Stuart Kyle said he was thrilled to be asked by Autism NI to support what he described as this “fantastic event”.

He continued: “I am a keen swimmer myself and it is great to have the opportunity to enjoy this sport whilst raising money for such a worthwhile cause. As a father of a child with autism, Autism NI has been a great support to my family and Dylan over the years.”

The open water swimathon includes a 500m, 1K or 2K swim challenge. Starting at 9am, it costs  £20 to enter, with Autism NI asking local swimmers to support the charity by taking part and pledging to raise £100 each.

All funds raised will support Autism NI’s vital helpline service which is invaluable to local families, individuals and professionals and supports over 4,700 individuals every year. 

The charity says events such as the forthcoming swimathon are vital in the work it carries out, helping provide life-changing services and support to the 30,000 autistic individuals in Northern Ireland.

To sign up for the swimathon contact events@autismni.org or telephone 028 9040 1729.