Hi Jackie and Sue here and welcome to our justgiving page.  We're taking on the Great North Swim in June to raise money for CancerCare - a great charity that helps people, and their families, who have been diagnosed with Cancer.  

We have now joined forces with the 3-1-5 Health Club in Lancaster to raise even more money for CancerCare.  We've been training hard with a group of 3-1-5 members since January, coached by Big Piranha KJ.   We are a mixed ability group diving in and swimming between 1 mile and 5K!!   We all have different reasons for doing this - some of the members of our team have survived cancer, some have family affected by the disease and some just want to accomplish something that seems impossible.  Here are some of our stories..............

Jackie's Story

2 years ago just gone I was shockingly diagnosed with a melanoma. Me - a melanoma...it can't happen to me?? My initial reaction was utter fear and confusion. I was completely convinced that that was me - finished. Luckily I had massive support from my surgeon who has now become my gp and has been wonderful. My family too have been truly amazing!!

When I was diagnosed, the gp at the time mentioned her referral for me to Cancercare this fueling my fear that my time here was limited. It was only on entering the premises and being welcomed with smiling faces that I softened. Cancercare provided me with a massive amount of support, mainly through counselling. showing me that cancer doesn't have to be a life sentence that it can be overcome. They have taught me new skills that I can take away with me for life.

So I started thinking what can I do as a challenge for myself to set me back on the right track, something that I love..swimming. So here I am entering the Great North Swim having never done an outdoor swim hoping to raise money for a local charity that have been a massive support to me and need all the funds that they can get. 

I've already started training with Sue who has agreed to join me in my quest. There we are at 3-1-5 being pushed to our limits and to be honest I'm loving every minute of it!

Sue's Story

Luckily for me I haven't had a cancer diagnosis like Jackie.  But I know people who have…those who have beaten it - Jackie (of course!), Denise and my Dad….and those who sadly haven't - Julie, Andy and my Grandma.  I know from their experiences how important a place like CancerCare is and have seen first hand how CancerCare have helped people who are important to me.  

Like Jackie, I've never done an outdoor swim and was also looking for a challenge (this time last year I badly damaged my ankle and started swimming again to help heal that injury).  I'm training like I didn't believe was possible for me thanks to KJ and everyone at 3-1-5, Emma at Active Blu and the encouragement of Jackie.  

Please support us!!

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