Swimming the distance of the English Channel from the comfort of her local swimming pool has enabled BES’ Carly O’Hagan to raise vital funds for spinal cord injury charity, Aspire.
Carly, who is Operations Manager for BES Utilities’ Registration and Loss department, completed the Aspire Channel Swim, a virtual 22-mile swimming challenge, to raise money for people paralysed by spinal cord injury.
Every four hours, someone is paralysed by spinal cord injury and Aspire provide the essential equipment, advice and housing that spinal cord injured people need to live their lives independently.
“I recently started swimming again after around 15 years, and a friend told my partner and I about this challenge and it seemed like the perfect way to raise money for a worthwhile charity,” explained Carly.
“I also wanted to change my lifestyle, and this has pushed me to stop smoking too which I am super proud of. I’m a motivated person and like to have set goals. This seemed like the ideal way to start and I am really pleased I completed it with time to spare.”
And how did she find the challenge?
“Fantastic! I won’t lie, I did struggle at first and came into work limping a few times, but each swim made things easier. I am no longer a smoker and I am looking forward to future challenges ahead!”
So far, Carly has raised around £450 and it’s not too late to donate. Click here to visit Carly’s JustGiving page.
