Biggleswade fundraiser went just swimmingly

Jon Scott, a swimming teacher at the Saxon Pool and Leisure Centre in Biggleswade swam almost 16 miles on Wednesday (December 21).

Jon, 27, completed the marathon session at the pool to raise money for a new creche garden at the centre, which will be built by the YMCA Bedfordshire.

He raised more than £550 through sponsorship after swimming the equivalent length of the River Ivel.

Taking a break from the swimming, Jon, of Church Street, Biggleswade said: “We were talking about fundraising ideas and what we might do to raise money and my colleague came up with the idea of a sponsored swim.

“I have taken part in swimathon-type events before and I thought it would be good to make it as local as possible, hence the River Ivel part.”

Starting at 6am, former Samuel Whitbread Community College student Jon, swam throughout the day, taking occasional breaks for energy drinks and meal replacements.

He said: “I was only out of the pool completely for about 30 minutes.

“The rest of the time I just stopped to have the odd drink or energy snack bar at the side of the pool.”

YMCA Bedfordshire is one of the organisations that runs the Prince’s Trust Team programme.

The scheme works with youngsters aged from 13 to 30 who have struggled at school, have been in care, are long-term unemployed or have been in trouble with the law.

It helps to develop workplace skills through workshops and projects, and the new creche garden will include features and equipment for parents and children to enjoy.

Staff at the centre were impressed by Jon’s hard work and dedication.

Manager Natalie Taylor said: “Jon has done extremely well and he has shown real commitment to the swimming.

“Whenever the opportunity comes up to take part in fundraising initiatives Jon is always the first person to come forward and volunteer.”