A vision impaired Cromer woman is to take on a daunting open water swimming challenge this weekend – tackling the 11 miles from one end to the other of Lake Windermere in the Lake District.
The swim is the third part of a gruelling challenge which has already seen her swim the 5.25 mile Coniston Water and the 7.5 mile Ullswater – a trio of open water swims known as the Chillswim Triple Crown.
Clare McCarthy, 58, who was born with albinism and is severely sight-impaired, has set herself the triple challenge to raise funds for Vision Norfolk and Guide Dogs UK.
To add to the challenges of the cold water and the sheer distance, she will be swimming alongside a sighted guide to ensure she stays on track to complete the extreme wild swimming feat. Her guide Kristen Smith has swum the English Channel, and is one of just 90 people to have swum the whole of Loch Ness.
“This is a huge challenge for me – the longest swim I have ever undertaken by a big margin,” said Clare.
“I have always liked swimming, and being in a pool I am guided by the markings in the pool and the fact that after 25 metres you get to the end. Swimming that kind of distance, especially in wild water, is akin to running a marathon, and it is a big challenge – but I am determined to do it.”
Clare completed the Coniston Chill Swim last year, raising £4,400 for the two charities, and was inspired to take on the triple challenge this year when she heard about Vision Norfolk’s 220 Challenge, which is marking the charity’s 220th year by aiming top raise £220,000 over 12 months to boost the work it does to support people living with sight loss in the county.
She has been training regularly at Sheringham’s Reef Leisure Centre with coach Karen Rix of the Tri-Anglia Triathlon Club. Also on her team is 69 year-old open water swimmer Ruth Stuart, who has been providing a vital service for Clare – transporting her to the pool three times a week for the past eight months.
“People often forget how difficult it can be for people living with sight loss to get around,” said Clare. “If you can do one thing for a vision impaired person, give them a lift!”
Vision Norfolk chief executive Andrew Morter commented, “I never fail to be amazed at what people living with sight loss can achieve, and Clare’s determination and commitment is a really good example of this.
“This is a really big challenge, and we are especially grateful that she has chosen Vision Norfolk as one of the two charities she will be supporting with her efforts.”
Anyone wishing to support Clare in her Triple Swim Challenge can do so at https://www.justgiving.com/page/clare-mccarthy-csvn.
