Inverness lady Helen Beveridge is gearing up for a massive gruelling challenge as she trains to swim 23 miles across the icy water of Loch Ness during the first week of August, in aid of Highland Hospice.
Helen’s employer, Morrison Construction, is closely connected to Highland Hospice while it rebuilds the charity’s In Patient Unit on Ness Walk, Inverness.
Environment & Sustainability Manager Helen is supporting the construction firm’s drive to raise money for the Hospice’s Project Build Appeal which is ongoing until October, with around £750,000 needed to hit its £4.5m target.
Open water swimmer Helen, who lives in Drakies, will wear only a swimsuit for the challenge which she anticipates will take around 17-18 hours depending on the conditions. She will be supported and accompanied by a support boat with an experienced pilot who will help to guide her through the swim, as well as a couple of officiators.
Helen said, “I chose to raise money for Highland Hospice in support of my company’s fundraising efforts for the charity and because I appreciate the essential services that the charity provides to people in the Highlands.”
She added, “Training is going a little better now that the evenings are lighter and the water is warming up. I find pool training difficult due to the lack of suitable session times and crowded lanes so prefer to train outdoors as much as possible, and we have a great choice of outdoor swim places around Inverness.”
“The biggest challenge of Loch Ness is the cold water and the amount of time I will be immersed for. I am hoping to get a bright warm sunny day with the water above average temperature. A period of settled sunny weather prior to the swim will greatly help my chances of success.”
Lisa Long, Highland Hospice’s Corporate Fundraiser said, “We are so grateful to Helen for attempting this challenge in support of Highland Hospice and wish her every success with her swim. We will all be keeping our fingers crossed for sunshine!”
Anyone who wishes to support Helen with her challenge can do so here
