Winterthur staff splashed out to raise money for local charities at the Lions Club of Basingstoke’s 25th annual swimarathon.

The swimarathon took place on Saturday March 8 2008 at Tadley swimming pool. With a total of eight teams taking part from four local companies, the annual swimarathon is one of many charity events run by fundraising organisation The Lions Club of Basingstoke that assists needy people throughout the world. People of all ages and swimming abilities participate, raising as much money as they can.

Three teams represented Winterthur at the swimarathon:

• Soden’s Swimarathon Sharks - Laura Soden, Oliver Harrup, Jeremy Moulton, Derek Somerville, Rachel Welford
• Deadman’s Humpback Whales - Dave Deadman, Linda Owen, Lisa Cornwell, Andrew Baird, Richard Satchwell
• Winterthur’s Electric Eels - Toorban Mandal, Peter Stagg , Diane Stagg, Richard Goswell, Chris Pearce.

Between them, the teams swam a total of 102 lengths, and raised £1335.50 in pledges, which Winterthur have agreed to match, bringing the total raised to £2671, with half the money going towards The Lions Club’s chosen charities, including schools and other worthwhile causes in and around the Basingstoke area.

Barry Morgan, Lions Club president said:

Everyone who participated had a great time, they really went for it and the distance swam was very impressive. We’re very grateful for all the effort put in and the money raised.

The remaining half will be donated to Winterthur’s chosen charity Naomi House, a local children’s hospice outside Winchester. Jill Livingstone, corporate fundraiser for Naomi House, said:

The ongoing support we receive from Winterthur is fantastic. Naomi House relies on the generosity of people in the community to continue its work. This money raised will make a real difference, helping us to provide crucial care services, free of charge, to children and their families at a time when they need it most.

Laura Soden, project coordinator at Winterthur, who organised the teams, said:

I would like to say thank you to all those who participated in the swimarathon this year, we managed to raise an amazing amount of money. This is the second year I have participated in the swim, and it’s a great event, with a fantastic atmosphere on the night.