Charity staff duo go the distance in sponsored swim to support unpaid carers

Two dedicated members of staff at Carers in Hertfordshire took the plunge and completed a sponsored swim to raise funds for the charity’s work supporting unpaid family and friend carers.

Jane Christou, from our Administration Team, and Julie Hayes, our Hub and Volunteer Co-ordinator, completed the swimathon challenge on Friday 5th December 2025 at John Warner Sports Centre, in Hoddesdon. The Centre kindly provided two lanes for free.

They beat their goal of swimming at least 64.4 lengths (one mile) in an hour – and completed 70 lengths in 50 minutes.

The pair, who hadn’t done a sponsored swim before, have raised over £1,000 but would still welcome sponsorship. Whether it is 10p, 50p, or £1 per length, or a set amount, every donation will make a real difference for carers.

You can donate online until 19th December 2025 at https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/campaign/jjswim or contact us.

Jane, who has worked for Carers in Hertfordshire for five years, came up with the idea to do the fundraiser. She said: “The swimathon was a great way to challenge ourselves and make a positive difference to carers’ lives. We would like to thank everyone who cheered us on and sponsored us.”

Julie, who has worked at the charity for 11 years, said: “We were delighted with how the event went and that we exceeded our fundraising target. Swimming is something we both enjoy, so turning it into a challenge and supporting Carers in Hertfordshire during its 30th anniversary year, felt like the perfect fit.”

The duo, who usually swim two or three times a week at the pool, said: “Through working at the charity and being carers ourselves, and benefited from the information and support available, we know what a positive difference access to the right support and advice can make for carers. There is still time to make a donation, which will help make sure carers do not feel isolated.”

If you have a caring role and want to find out how we can support you or you want to make a donation, or sponsor Julie and Jane’s fundraiser, you can email us at contact@carersinherts.org.uk or call 01992 58 69 69.