Aquasphere makes donation after Windermere world record swim
Aquasphere is celebrating a new world record swim across Windermere, with a playful donation.
Team GB swimmer Hector Pardoe set a new World Record during the Aquasphere Chillswim Windermere end-to-end event, on 2nd September 2023. Pardoe used the opportunity to speak out about pollutants effecting Britain’s lakes and waterways, raising over £900 for charity the Lake District Foundation’s Cleaner Lakes project.
Swimwear company Aquasphere has been supporting Pardoe since 2022 and they agreed a cheeky bet with the athlete ahead of his world record attempt. With Pardoe setting off last, Aquasphere agreed to donate £1 for every swimmer that he passed during the event, which saw hundreds of swimmers attempt to complete the 10.5-mile swim of England’s longest Lake. Finishing in first place and setting a new world record of 3:40.28, Pardoe beat 493 other swimmers.
The swimwear brand’s bet held water and they have now donated £493 to the Lake District Foundation. A presentation took place on Saturday 18th November in Kendal. Pardoe was visiting Cumbria to take part in the annual Kendal Mountain Festival. The donation brings Pardoe’s fundraising total to just shy of £1,400, which will be used towards protecting waterbodies in the Lake District.
Nick Holmes, UK & Ireland Country Manager at the Aqualung Group said: “Hector’s swimming achievement is truly amazing and inspiring and we’re proud to support the best open water swimmer in the country. The open water bodies of the Lake District are enjoyed by many of our swimmers, so it’s great to be able to also support the work of the Lake District Foundation in keeping the waters clean and safe for all.”
Steve Tonkins, Fundraising Manager at the Lake District Foundation said: “What an incredible achievement for Hector. Not only has he set a new World Record, but he also used this special sporting moment to sound the alarm on the damage being done to our waterways, while raising hundreds to clean up our Lakes. Hector is a hero of our times and we’ve loved being involved in this awesome feat.”
