100 wild swims in aid of Wateraid

On the 26th September 2020, Susan Baty-Symes from Swaledale set herself a challenge of 100 wild swims before her next birthday to raise funds for Water Aid. This weekend she completes her challenge.

Every week since, Susan has ventured out into the beautiful Yorkshire Dales to achieve her wild swimming challenge and tomorrow morning she will complete her 100th swim in the magnificent surrounding of Semerwater.

Susan says, living in the Yorkshire Dales she has access to clean water from taps inside my home:  " I enjoy wild swimming in beautiful pools nearby and appreciate how fortunate and privileged I am compared to many...those who have to walk miles to collect dirty and bug ridden water which then makes them ill."

"Clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene should be a normal part of everyone’s daily life. Without all three, people can’t live dignified, healthy lives. With all three, they can unlock their potential, break free from poverty and change their lives for good.  With clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene, children are born healthier. They get the chance to go to school and grow up to become adults. Women and men get to earn a living. Whole communities start to thrive. It sounds normal and it should be."

Susan committed herself to 100 outdoor swims before her next birthday, this averaged out at 2 per week, with the winter months being the most challenging.  She is nearly there now.

Susan completes her challenge on Saturday 18th September with her final swim on Semerwater, just above Wensleydale. She would like to ask people in the Dales to support this worthy cause  To donate go to Susan's JustGiving page

You can also support Susan in person in her epic journey and visit Semerwater at 9:45 tomorrow (Saturday) morning to join in the 100th swim. Just watch or if you are daring enough, join in!

Photos: Courtesy of Tracey Coulson