A SPONSORED swim to raise funds for a hospital charity is aiming to beat 2021's spectacular effort when it returns for the August Bank Holiday.

The League of Friends (LoF) to Gobowen's Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH) are encouraging swimmers across the area to take the plunge and sign up for their open water swim fundraiser.

The LoF and its event partners Swimifinity say the Mere Mile will be returning for the third consecutive year on Monday, August 29 at the Mere in Ellesmere.

Victoria Sugden, charity director for the Friends, said she was delighted to be running the event once more.

She said: “We have so enjoyed this event over the last couple of years, bringing people together for an outdoor event has had such a positive effect on us all while raising money for the hospital we all value so much.

“We know that many people swim for fun, for the challenge, or to train for other events – whatever the reason we look forward to welcoming everyone to a successful swim again this year.

“Tremendous thanks to our partners Swimfinity and our sponsors Shropshire Pools and Spas who have helped us build such a wonderful event – please do get your entries in soon.”

This year’s Mere Mile, which is sponsored by Shropshire Pools and Spas, follows on from an extremely successful 2021 event, in which just under 200 swimmers took part and an incredible £19,500 was raised.

Participants can choose between two distances – one mile or 2.5 miles.

Entry numbers for each category are limited, with space for 250 swimmers to undertake the mile swim and 150 for the 2.5 miles.

James Bainbridge, of Swimfinity, added: “We are proud and excited to partner once again with the Friends to raise valuable and much needed funds to support their critical work.

“As we emerge from the Global pandemic, the appetite for outdoor swimming is greater than ever.

"We’re looking forwards to providing training opportunities at the Mere throughout the Summer months leading up to The Mere Mile, as well as providing logistical support on the day."

To register, please visit https://friendsrjah.enthuse.com/cf/mere-mile-registration

If you wish to make a donation to support the fundraising campaign visit https://friendsrjah.enthuse.com/cf/mere-mile-donate

If you’re interested providing volunteer support you can contact rjah.communityfundraising@nhs.net or call 01691 404401.