Bridport Lions' Swimarathon charity fundraiser is set to return after a four year absence.

The Bridport Lions Club is hosting its 27th annual Swimarathon fundraiser on Sunday, October 8 – the first time since the pandemic.

The event will take place at Bridport Leisure Centre with the town’s mayor, Cllr Dave Bolwell, opening the Swimarathon at 10am.

The event tends to be the club’s biggest fundraiser of the year and aims to raise vital funds for the club. These are then redistributed throughout the year to individuals, clubs, organisations and schools in need. 

Teams of up to six are categorised as junior, senior or mixed and will look to do as many laps of the pool as possible in 55 minutes.

Lucy Paull, who is helping to organise the teams, said: “It’s always a competitive and fun hour with lots of cheering and support. We do this back-to-back throughout the day for as many hours as we have teams.

“It is our first year returning after Covid, so our last event was four years ago, and we appreciate it will take time to build on the momentum we gained in the last few years before Covid.” 

Currently there are 14 teams taking part, but Lucy is keen to encourage more people to take part and even has her an eye on next year.

She added: “I am always keen to hear from new teams looking to enter for next year’s event."

Lucy has volunteered with the Bridport Lions Club for 10 years, but has been taking part in the Swimarathon herself since childhood and always does ‘her bit’.

She is also aware that times may be hard for people and that they don't have lots of money to donate but any money raised is a positive in her mind.

She continued: “I know times are so tough right now but if you are able to spare just £1 it really will make a difference. We don’t have a specific total in mind, any amount would be fantastic.

“Thanks in advance to everyone who decides to support our cause, we appreciate it so much.”

An awards evening will take place in November for the winning teams, with trophies going to the highest paid sponsorship, laps and the best effort by the senior, mixed and junior teams.

People can donate via individuals that are swimming or on the Bridport Lions Facebook page.