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Craven District Council

Council chairman launches charity swim challenge

Craven District Council chairman, Councillor Paul Whitaker, has launched the annual Charity Swim Challenge at Craven Leisure.

This year Councillor Whitaker is raising money for Take Heart, the charity of the Yorkshire Heart Centre.

The swim challenge takes place from January to March 2019, with various distances to inspire all swimmers.

Entrants can choose from bronze, silver, gold or platinum awards, with all distances to be completed by March 31, 2019.

Councillor Whitaker, whose great-nephews George and Henry Clark are taking part in the swim challenge, said: “I’m very pleased and honoured to be officially launching this year’s Chairman’s Charity Swim Challenge.

“I have first-hand experience of the work of Take Heart, and very much appreciate everything they do to support patients at the Yorkshire Heart Centre.

“I’m delighted that my great-nephews have decided to lead the way and rise to the challenge. This swim challenge gives everyone the opportunity to get fit and healthy while raising money for a great cause.”

Entry and sponsorship forms can be obtained from Craven Leisure.

Sponsorship monies can be paid directly to the Chairman’s Charity Account by calling Customer Services on 01756 700600 – either by the swimmer or individual sponsors.

Alternatively there is a Virgin Giving page for the Chairman’s Charity, which can be used for the Swim Challenge or for other donations, at https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/chairmanscharity

Take Heart was founded in 1989 and since then has raised nearly four million pounds to fund both major projects and minor. The charity is committed to giving care and comfort to patients and their families at the Yorkshire Heart Centre at Leeds General Infirmary and St James Hospital and its Units within the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

They endeavour to ensure that patients and their families enjoy the very best of comfort within the Yorkshire Heart Centre at what can be a very stressful time.

The charity is run entirely on a voluntary basis, so the vast majority of funds go directly to the projects for which they are intended.