Sue Abbs during a swim-session at Nuffield Health Centre, Enfield
A hardcore fundraiser has dived into a challenge to swim the English Channel for Enfield-based charity the Nightingale Cancer Support Centre.
Sue Abbs, who developed Lymphodeama during treatment for breast cancer, was signed off from this clinic in February. She then set herself the challenge to swim 21 miles in seven weeks in her local swimming pool with the aim of raising £7000, which would pay for a Lymphodeama nurse for a year at the Nightingale.
Sue said, “The Nightingale has been a lifeline to me over the years and I am grateful for their services. I saw a Lymphodeama nurse much quicker than I would have done if the Nightingale didn’t fund this service to prioritise cancer patients.”
“I saw the swim challenge as an opportunity to get fit while, at the same time, I felt I could achieve something that will make a difference to others who might go through the same thing that I did. ”
She added, “All of us have busy lives but I wanted to prove that fundraising doesn’t have to be a chore or take up huge amounts of time. You can make it fun. Anyone can do it!”
Director Joan Kearns said, “For many people, including me, swimming just three lengths of the pool would be a challenge but swimming the Channel is taking it to another level, especially as when you’ve had cancer, your energy levels are no-where near what the used to be. We are all very proud of Sue!”
For anyone wishing to donate, Sue has a Just Giving page: www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/ncht/sueschannelswim
Or if you’re feeling brave and want to take up the challenge yourself, either alone or as a part of a group, please contact the Nightingale on, 020 8366 4333 or visit www.nightingalesupport.org.uk
For further information please contact director Joan Kearns at the Nightingale Cancer Support Centre on 020 366 4333 or email
