Aspire, a national charity that provides practical help to people who have been paralysed by Spinal Cord Injury, is marking the start of the 2014 Aspire Channel Swim with a 24 hour swim at the Aspire National Training Centre (ANTC) in Stanmore.  The event will take place from 9am on Sunday 7^th September to 9am on Monday 8th September.   

Now in its 15^th year, and partnered by Zoggs for the 5^th consecutive year, the Aspire Channel Swim challenges people to swim the length of the Channel in their local swimming pool, a total of 22 miles over a 12 week period, from 8^th September to 1^st December.  Anyone can take part, as individuals or teams, whatever their age or swimming ability may be, at any swimming pool across the UK.  Last year 2,700 swimmers raised over £260,000 and Aspire are hoping to make this year’s swim the biggest ever. 

35 swimmers, including Aspire staff, customers and volunteers, will be swimming in pairs in half hour stints over the 24 hour period, many swimming more than once.

As well as the 24 hour swim, the ANTC will be holding an Open Day on Sunday 7^th September with class taster sessions from 12.30 to 4.30pm, including Insanity, Zumba and Fitsteps.  There will also be stalls selling gifts and jewellery as well as a tombola and other fun events to participate in, such as “sponge the boss” at 12.30pm!  The inflatable run will be available in the sports hall for toddlers free of charge all afternoon.

To sign up to take part in the Aspire Channel Swim:         www.aspirechannelswim.co.uk

To sponsor Aspire staff for their 24 hour swim:                  www.justgiving.com/24-hour-swim