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On The 9th July 2022 a group of Heathwood Swimmers who were complete non swimmers in 2021 will be taking on the Solva mile Swim.

We've called it 'The BIG C Swim' as we're raising vital funds for Velindre Cancer centre in Cardiff.

Each one of our swimmers has been affected by Cancer and Velindre Cancer centre  has helped them so much they would like to try their hardest too give back.

We've already raised £5000 at our fund raising evening in May and were hoping to add to that total by getting in the sea and swimming as a group for a mile on the 9th July 2022.

Meet our swimmers who’ve all learnt to swim at Heathwood Swimming…

Sarah Goman - Sarah Found a lump in her breast in August 2020 and was diagnosed with stage 3 triple negative breast cancer in October 2020. She started Chemo in November 2020 for 6 months and had surgery in April 2021. After her surgery she got in touch with me at Heathwood Swimming to tell me her story. She was 50 years old and wanted to learn to swim. She started her swimming journey a few months later and now wants to swim in the sea.

Andrew Williams - Andrews mum was diagnosed with metastatic cancer of the uterus in July 2014 and started active chemotherapy treatment at Velindre immediately. She had chemo and radiotherapy and died during her active treatment in November 2015. Velindre was a weekly and often daily part of their  lives for 15 months. Andrew was a complete beginner. He lost 8 stone in weight after having Personal training sessions and wanted another goal to aim for. 

Richard Rees - Richards Dad Rob Rees had a routine screen  in feb 2020. He was told he had bowl cancer and started  treatment in March 2020.
Rob Finished his treatment at the end of summer 2020 and was given all clear summer 2021. Richard starting learning to swim with us in 2020. He’s since completed in two half Ironman events and will be competing in Ironman Wales in September 2022. 

Mike Smith - Mikes Dad went into hospital on Friday 3rd of August 2001 after being unwell.. He was told that day he had lung cancer and unfortunately it was too late for treatment.  he died just a few days later on Tuesday the 7th August 2001. Mike started swimming with us as a complete beginner in 2020. He’s since been swimming in the sea regularly and will be doing Long course weekend in July and half Ironman Swansea in August 2022. He wants to do his best to help other families living with cancer. 

Sharron Bodman - Sharron is one of Sarah’s friends. She heard about what we were doing for Velindre and wanted to get involved. She’s since entered several open water swim events and is loving her open water swimming journey. 

Michael Lewis - Mike is 84 years old. He has had several family and friends been affected by cancer in his lifetime and wants to have a go at at least getting in the sea and doing his best. Mike had never been in a swimming pool until he was 83 years old. He’s since started wetsuit swimming and is super determined to join us for the BIG C swim in July. 

Nicola spickett - Nic is swimming for her friend Zoe Pieris. Zoe was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019 and treated at Velindre. In June 2021 Zoe found out that the cancer had spread to her liver. After a brave battle, She sadly passed away aged 51 on 26th May. During her treatment at Velindre, Zoe enjoyed the complimentary treatments such as reflexology. She leaves 2 beautiful boys age 10 and 12. Nic had never been sea swimming before but was motivated to join and go totally out of her comfort zone to raise funds and awareness after seeing how strong her friend was throughout. I am honoured to swim this in her memory.

Coach - Caris Hedd Bowen - Caris is a 30-year-old Cancer Survivor. She was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at the age of 21. She had an intensive course of chemotherapy & was was  given the all clear 8 months later. Caris decided to teach herself  how to swim in the open water using the internet as her teacher and also starting having technique lessons with Dave @ Heathwood swimming. Caris now has her own swimming business teaching adults to swim in open water. She will be supporting swimming with Fellow coaches Dave & Ross during the Big C swim. 

Dave & team are super determined to get the job done and we really appreciate if you can spare any donation big or small. 

Thank you in advance and we looking forward to doing everyone proud and inspiring others to take up pool or sea swimming .