Monmouth community unites for charity swimathon in memory of teenage boy

More than 500 people have taken the plunge in Monmouth in memory of a teenage boy who died unexpectedly from leukemia in June 2018 at the age of 13.

The 12-hour swimathon at the weekend, raised more than 12 thousand pounds for Cancer Research Wales.

Olympian Tom Haffield was one of those taking part in the event, which saw over 37 and a half thousand lengths completed – equal to more than 583 miles.

"The final count is 37,519 lengths or 938km or 937,975m or 583 miles by more than 500 swimmers at five different events," said Tom's dad, Tim.

"It is pleasing that Swim for Tom is such a feel-good community event.

"Swim for Tom is about competing with each other to reach a single goal and not against each other. Many people of all abilities pushed themselves to swim further than they had ever done before, including many beginners."