Local woman makes a splash for our hospice

Claire Faulkner-Green (43) from Blyth has swam almost four miles in a bid to raise money for the hospice.

Claire, a regular charity fundraiser, decided that this year she would don her swimming cap and swim further than she ever has before to raise money for the hospice.

Claire said: “I work at My Pension Expert who have this year chosen St John’s Hospice to be our charity of the year, I researched who they were and after reading about what they do I felt compelled to do something extra.

“I decided I would swim as far as I possibly could in the hopes of raising some money. I like to swim but I’ve never swam very far before, this was a challenge for myself which had a great outcome for a local charity.”

During the swim Claire started to feel jelly legged and dizzy but thinking of the hospice and how the money would make a difference pushed her on to finish.

Just before the three hour mark, Claire finally completed her swim, Claire said: “I was absolutely buzzing that I had manage to swim that far, I’m proud of myself and I raised a good amount of money for a great cause. I hope my donation can help.”

Claire completed 252 lengths in 2 hours 44minutes and managed to raise just over £900!

Lindsay Richards of the hospice said: “It means so much when members of the public see what we do and want to raise money to help us. I think it’s amazing how far Claire has swam, she should feel proud of herself. The money raised will be put to good use and our staff and patients greatly appreciate it.”