When young sisters, Tilly, 8, and Maili,6 from Consett wanted to take on a big challenge to raise money for their local NHS, they would have been forgiven for rejecting their mum, Katy’s suggestion – 30 swims in 30 days, in the nearby river!

Mum, Katy Flynn, explains, “The girls had painted lots of rainbows and were enthusiastic hand-clappers every Thursday evening, but wanted to do more to thank NHS staff for all their hard work during the Covid-19 pandemic. Usually, I would have suggested completing the challenge at the local baths, but this obviously isn’t possible at the moment.  I love open water swimming myself and with sunny days upon us suggested to the girls that they could get sponsored to swim in the river every day for 30 days – they jumped at the chance!

“Clearly safety was the biggest priority and I know the river well, which was important. I manage their time in the water based on the temperature on the day and they have their tow floats with them in the water with them all the time. I think they were very brave, it’s open water after all and when the sun goes in the water can be very cold.  It’s not something I’d suggest an inexperienced family to try.

Tilly and Maili have so far raised (£440) for County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust’s charity, following in their mum’s footsteps once again – Katy has competed in the ‘Swim Windermere’ challenge for the charity in 2018. There is still time to sponsor the girls in their big challenge: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/30swims30days

Charity manager, Pat Chambers, said, “We’re very grateful to Tilly, Maili and their family for supporting us in this way and really impressed that they completed all 30 days consecutively – most of us would have fancied a day off at some point!

“People have been enormously generous during the pandemic, sending in gifts for patients and staff and making donations which we’ll use wisely to benefit the experience of both those we care for and colleagues.

“You can call the Trust’s charity team on 01325 743781 or email us cddft.charity@nhs.net to discuss your fundraising ideas.”