Support fundraiser’s Serpentine Swim for Hertfordshire’s Unpaid Carers

A dedicated Carers in Hertfordshire employee is diving into her second major swimming challenge within a year and has decided to raise funds for our work supporting unpaid carers at the same time.

Julie Hayes, our Hub and Volunteer Co-ordinator and an unpaid carer, is set to take part in the two-mile Serpentine Swim in Hyde Park on Saturday 19th September. She aims to raise £1,000 for Carers in Hertfordshire.

Julie was inspired to sign up for the challenge following the success of a fundraising swim she completed in December 2025 with friend and former colleague Jane Christou. The pair set themselves the goal of swimming at least a mile in an hour at Laura Trott Leisure Centre in Hoddesdon, to mark our 30th anniversary. The duo completed 70 lengths in just 50 minutes and raising more than £1,000 to support unpaid carers.

However, this latest challenge has not been without its obstacles. Earlier this year, Julie broke her elbow and considered withdrawing from the event. Julie said: “Training hasn’t been easy, and recovering from my injury has made preparing for the event even more challenging. However, carers show strength and resilience, and that’s inspired me to keep going. I am determined to reach the finish line.”

Julie, who has worked for Carers in Hertfordshire for 12 years and is an unpaid carer herself, said the challenge is an opportunity to support a cause that means a great deal to her.

She said: “I enjoy swimming and felt a real sense of achievement after completing last year’s challenge, so I wanted to do something even bigger to support carers across Hertfordshire.

“Through my role at Carers in Hertfordshire, I’ve seen first-hand the difference our advice, services and activities make to people’s lives. As an unpaid carer myself, I also understand how important it is to have the right support when you need it most. Every donation will help us continue to be there for carers when they need us.”

You can make a donation and help us continue supporting people in Hertfordshire who look after a partner, relative or friend with an illness, disability or other care need, by donating at https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/campaign/julies-serpentine-swim

If you have a caring role and would like support, contact us by email contact@carersinherts.org.uk or call 01992 58 69 69.