Rotary pools its resources for good cause

This year’s Polmont Rotary Club Swimarathon created a big splash on Saturday with 150 swimmers split into 30 teams going to great lengths for a good cause – the Radio Forth Cash For Kids appeal.

The event was officially started by Provost Pat Reid and the participants, who included secondary school pupils, representatives from local businesses and Rotary District Governor Andrew Ireland, completed an astonishing 3730 lengths – that is 93,250 metres or 58 miles – in the time allowed.

The top team for 2016, completing the most lengths in 55 minutes, was SP Energy who managed 203 lengths between them to just pip the Denny High School team who finished with 200 lengths.

Radio Forth DJ Mark Martin was on hand to put his announcing skills to good use and also provided the soundtrack to the Swimarathon.

Last year’s event coined in £8500 and organisers hope to equal that total or even better it. All the money raised will go to supporting sick, disabled and disadvantaged youngsters aged 18 and under in the Falkirk area.

Rotarian Ken Donald, Swimarathon chairman, said: “What a fantastic day. Everyone had a fabulous time and lots of money has been raised for children in the Falkirk area. We are delighted our Swimarathon has become such a successful annual event.

“Thanks to all the swimmers who took part, all the spectators who came along to provide vocal support, our corporate sponsor Macdonald Inchyra Hotel and Spa, Falkirk Community Trust and everyone who gave sponsorship.”