Melton Lions make waves at Swimarathon for charities

Some 21 teams - comprising of 105 swimmers - took part in this year’s event raising just over £3,500 in sponsorship on the day.

The average number of lengths swam by each team at Waterfield Leisure Centre was 123.

Kris Zabraski’s Melton Wednesday Night Misfists swam the most lengths with 214 lengths in 55 minutes.

The average funds pledged by each team was £150. Again, Bob Wells’ Melton Mencap teams pledged the most money on the day with £675.

Schools, businesses and organisations who entered teams included The Grove Gladiators, Scalford Sharks, Shrimps and Sardines, Oxygen is Overated, Latham Dippers, Just Add Water, Swimcaps and Deependers, John Ferneley Dolphins, Melton Scouts Youth Team, St Mary’s Stingrays, Sink or Swim and the Nutty Narwhals, Speedos, Flipping Floppers, Wednesday Night Misfits, Oddshapes, Angels and Devils, Batman Robin and the Sidekick.

Lions’ district governor Paul Stafford, who attended the opening ceremony with Melton Mayor Jeanne Douglas, offered to help put a team of two girls - Oxygen is Overated - as some team members had dropped out last minute.

Spare trunks and a towel were found for him and the team swam a very creditable 114 lengths.

The total sponsorship pledge on the day was £3,657 which will be split between the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance, Melton Mencap, the Mayor’s Appeal (for the Belvoir Castle Cricket and Countryside Trust and Emmaus) and Lion’s charitable projects in the borough.

The Melton Lions have thanked the many sponsors who underpinned the event - Melton Mowbray Building Society, Jeld-Wen, Pearces Jewellers, Stephen Jeal at NFU Mutual, Oldham Marsh Page Flavell Solicitors, Richard Barnes Funeral Services, Diane Ruddle, Heather Little - Chiropodist, COSTCO and Aston Vauxhall. B&H Printing supplied the posters and Mars supplied chocolate for the children.

A presentation evening will be held on Wednesday, June 15 at Melton Council’s Parkside Offices, 6.30pm to 8pm. All swimmers, their families and the sponsors are welcome.