0808 808 00 00 / macmillan.org.uk

Making a splash! Lucy takes on open-water swim challenge to raise money for us

For many people, the idea of swimming over two miles in open water gives them the shivers but not Macmillan Cancer Support fundraiser Lucy Blayney.

Twenty-seven-year-old Lucy from Pembroke is taking on The Wales Swim Long Course, a 2.4 mile swim in Tenby in July, to raise funds for the cancer charity that supported her grandmother who was diagnosed with bone cancer in cancer in May 2017.

01 Lucy Blayney
Lucy Blayney

Lucy’s nan, Shirley Blayney sadly died in December 2017 but such was the impact that Macmillan had by providing emotional and practical support to the family during her nan’s cancer treatment, that Lucy vowed to fundraise for the charity as a way of saying thank you.

Lucy started her training in indoor swimming pools in January but now the sea is warmer Lucy is taking her first dip in the open water.

Speaking about training for this challenge, Lucy, said: “I have always loved swimming and I am pretty quick! I’ve never swam open water but I did spend most of my childhood in the sea at the local beaches.

“Tenby is gorgeous and I have been lucky enough to live five miles away! The sea does not scare me and I am so looking forward to the challenge.

“To anyone thinking of fundraising I’d say don’t let anyone put you down, and keep going! It’s an amazing feeling when someone donates and believes in you. A doctor has said to me earlier this year that she thought a girl my size wouldn’t be able to do the Long Course. I’m only a size 16! And I thought to myself you’re wrong! She doesn’t know the reasons why I am determined to complete this challenge.”

03 Lucy Blayney tshirt and swimming capSue Reece, Macmillan Fundraising Manager for Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, said: “We really appreciate Lucy giving her time to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support to help people in Wales affected by cancer. This is no easy challenge but Lucy’s determination to finish the course is very clear.

“Lucy’s nan, and her family, received support from Macmillan at her home and at both Glangwili and Withybush hospitals. It’s so important for our rural communities that Macmillan can be there to support people with cancer.

“Macmillan is 98 per cent funded by donations and we can only do what we do because people like Lucy give their time to raise money for us.”

Anyone wishing to support Lucy can donate to her Just Giving page at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lucy-blayney1

If you’ve been inspired to take on a challenge then visit the Macmillan Cancer Support website at www.macmillan.org.uk and search for fundraising events.