Swim for Crisis this Saturday

Homelessness charity Crisis is calling on swimmers to take the plunge this Saturday, 6 June, at the Crisis Summer Swim to raise funds to help tackle rising homelessness in Oxford.

The Crisis Summer Swim will take place at Queesnford Lakes just outside Oxford from 10am. Swimmers can either take on the charity’s “Ten-Minute Challenge” or simply jump in the lake in their finest fancy dress
The money raised from the event will support Crisis’ work with homeless people in Oxford, where rough sleeping has risen substantially in recent years and by 38% in the last year alone. Every £100 raised will meet the cost of giving a homeless person CV advice, work experience and support with course fees. Last year, the charity helped 73 people in the area into work – often a major step in the journey away from homelessness.
For the Ten-Minute challenge, swimmers choose a distance – 100m, 250m, 500m or 750m – and aim to complete in less than 10 minutes. Alternatively there is a team challenge or the option to just take a dip.
Diane Martin, who took part in the swim last year and has signed up again for the event, said: “My daughter and I discovered outdoor swimming about three years ago. It gives us quality and fun time together – often, after a swim, we’ll sit and sip a drink at the waterside and have a chat together.
“We especially enjoyed the Crisis swim last year and, with both of us living in Oxford, are acutely aware of the homelessness crisis. Supporting a charity involved in such a worthwhile cause was something we really wanted to do.”
Alongside the swim, there will also be entertainment on offer for spectators, along with a hot tub and sauna for swimmers to warm up after.
For more information or to sign up visit: www.crisis.org.uk/swim or call Sara Hunt on 01865 263 911. Enter in advance or on the day.
Address: Queensford Lakes, Burcot Lane, Berinsfield, OX10 7PQ
Cost: Crisis is asking adult swimmers for a £25 registration fee and a minimum fundraising commitment of £50, while there will also be reduced rates for children and those booking as a group.
Every £10 raised is enough to give a homeless person a cup of tea and a warm welcome at the charity’s centre in Oxford, while £100 could give someone help with CV advice, work experience and support with course fees.