20km swim in memory of Melksham woman

A LOCAL woman who is a wheelchair user is preparing to swim 20km for the Emma Rodger Foundation throughout November. 

Carly Lennard-Walker can only walk short distances with two sticks and recently completed a 10km swim throughout August raising funds for a children’s charity.  

Now, she plans to increase the distance, swimming 20km – 800 pool lengths – for the foundation that raises money for the Royal United Hospital in Bath’s cancer unit, in memory of Melksham woman Emma Rodger, who died last year. 

“A lot of people in the town knew and loved Emma and are always happy to support fundraising done in her memory,” says Carly, who will be swimming at the Campus. “My daughter’s kickboxing club also raise money for the charity throughout the year so I would like to help by doing my bit. 

“I am swimming 800 lengths over November and this means I need to go from 34 lengths three days a week which is up to 40 lengths five days a week.” 

Carly explained that she has abnormally deep hip sockets and dysplasia in both her hips and two partially slipped discs in the bottom of her back. 

“This is definitely going to be a harder swim for me as I will only get weekends to rest so it’s not so much the number of extra lengths that worries me but more so not having that day in between swims,” says Carly. 

“I know I will be in a lot more pain after my swims this time which will make home life harder but I have plenty of support around me to help me through it. 

“To be honest I shall just try to relax as much as possible at the weekend between swims but with two very active children that isn’t always possible so lots of muscle relax bubble baths may be in order!” 

In Carly’s last 10km swim she raised money for Helen & Douglas House, a children’s charity supporting terminally ill children and their families. 

“I managed to raise a massive £625 by the end of it so I would like to at least match that or raise more as I know it goes a long way. 

“This time, I will be doing all of my swims at Melksham Campus swimming pool, so if anyone would like to come and join me then come along, I’ll be there at 12.30pm five days a week.” 

Carly said she plans to increase the distance further by swimming 30km in March next year.