Carleton couple to tackle Lake Windermere challenge (From Craven Herald)

Carleton couple to tackle Lake Windermere challenge

4:01pm Wednesday 1st September 2010 in

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A Carleton couple will be swimming a mile in the chilly waters of Windermere this weekend to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support and MIND.

Will and Penny Bird will be among 9,000 heading to the Lake District to take part in this year’s Great North Swim.

The couple have prepared for the challenge by completing practice swims in the lake at Grasmere and in Ilkley Lido.

Will, 42, said: “The water will be about 14 degrees Celsius and the cold really takes it out of you.

“Wearing a wetsuit also really slows you down and there will be currents and waves in Windermere. It is going to be quite a challenge but we are looking forward to it.”

Will decided to take part to help him get fit following a spinal operation last year. He chose to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support in memory of his best friend Michael Thompson, who died of a brain tumour two years ago.

Penny, 39, a psychiatric nurse at Airedale Hospital will support the mental health charity MIND.

Will said: “So far we have raised about £500 between us but there is a lot more to come in.”