In June of this year, Bedford’s own Box End Park, along with five other nationwide venues, is hosting a 24-hour open water swim relay in aid of the charity Level Water, which provides one-to-one swimming lessons for children with disabilities.
On 22 – 23 June, the challenge will see, teams of two to eight, from 14 years of age and up, swim on an hourly rotation around Box End Park for a total of 24 hours from midday to midday.
Despite it being an undeniably gruelling physical engagement, it is open to absolutely all swimming abilities and has no competitive element, the pace and number of laps are completely down to the individual.
Aptly described by one participant, as the “Glastonbury of Swimming”, this Bedford-based fundraising event combines the grit and determination required to dive head first into freezing cold waters at four o’clock in the morning, with the fireside fellowship of a camping trip at which people can chat with others who share their passion for open water swimming.
You only need to look at the smiling faces in the photos taken at last year’s event at Box End to know that the day is immensely enjoyable with the added benefit of helping Level Water to achieve their goals of kickstarting a love of swimming.
The charity is dedicated to allowing all children to benefit from physical health and matching that with a mindset of optimism and positivity.
One of last year’s Box End front crawl fundraisers, Jenny King, spoke to us about her experience of the 2023 event.
Having previously swum for Level Water at another venue, Jenny was “very excited” when they announced her “local lake” as one of the ones being used for their 24 hour swim relay.
She had been to Box End plenty of times previously just like many in Bedford have, and assured us that “sharing the achievement with your teammates makes the familiar special”.
On the joys of open water swimming, she said: “However good or bad a swim might be, it always lifts the spirits and lightens your mood.
“A morning swim in a lake really does set you up for the day.”
Finally she gave her thoughts on Level Water’s mission, declaring it a “very worthy cause” and saying that she was “delighted to support this wonderful charity as they help children to realise potential they didn’t know they had”.
The summer of 2024 sees the event’s return to Bedford and this time with the hopes of an even larger turnout.
The fee to participate in the challenge is just £40 with Level Water looking to reach and potentially surpass their fundraising target of £200.
If you are inspired by Level Water’s mission and are looking to get involved with the relay alongside friends or family, click here to find out more about the dates, venues and how to register.
