Taking on a swim challenge for St Raphael’s Hospice is more than just time in the water. Whether you love the calm focus of lane swimming, the freedom of open water, or the thrill of a long-distance endurance challenge, this is your swim. Go short and sharp. Go long and ambitious. Swim solo or gather a team. You choose the style, venue, set the distance and decide the pace – and we’ll support you every stroke of the way.
How it works
Get started with expert guidance
We’ll share practical advice and tailored tips to help you plan a safe and successful swim challenge.
Tell us about your swim
Let us know your plans so we can support you, cheer you on and share your story.
Reach your fundraising goal
Our team will support you with fundraising ideas, resources and one-to-one encouragement to help you smash your target.
Helping you raise money
Whether you’re running a marathon or hosting a bake sale, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Ready to Dive In? Here’s How to Get Started
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Choose your location
Pick your pool, lake or coastal spot. Decide whether you’re counting lengths, distance or time.
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Set your challenge
Choose a goal that motivates you – 50 lengths, 5K, a channel-inspired distance, or a month-long swim streak.
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Pick your date
Setting a date makes it real and gives you something to train towards.
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Register your challenge
Tell us what you’re planning so we can support you along the way.
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Set up your fundraising page
Create your JustGiving page and share it with friends, family and colleagues. Every length you swim can help provide vital hospice care.
Frequently asked questions
I need some help with fundraising ideas, can you help?
We love fundraising and want to help make sure it’s as easy as possible for you. We’ve got lots of ideas to help get the money rolling in.
I’ve completed my fundraising, how do I pay the money in?
Paying your money in is easy. Find out how here
How far in the future should I pick a date for my swim?
Lots of things can affect how far in advance you plan your swim. Will you need to do some training? Will you want to hold extra fundraising events to help you reach your target.
If you’re planning or organise a team swim, how much notice might people need to get it in their diaries? And will you need time to apply for permission from the council.
Lots of our swimmers start planning three to six months before their swim to give them plenty of time to fit fundraising and planning around their busy lives. If you’re planning something ambitious, you might need a bit longer.
What can I do to make sure my swim is safe?
If you’re swimming in your local pool then please follow the pool guidelines, and speak to the lifeguard if you have any questions or concerns.
If you’re planning an open water swim challenge, we admire your sense of adventure, but there’s lots more to think about to ensure you’re being as safe as possible. We recommend seeking advice and support from local experts in open water swimming.
What swimming gear do I need?
If you’re swimming in your local pool, then a suitable swimming costume, a pair of goggles, a towel and some water is enough to get you started. Swim caps are great too, being streamlined is everything in swimming, as is being visible.
If you’re going to be swimming in open water, then you may well need more kit to be fully prepared. Check out this useful information about open water swimming kit from Swimming.org.