Mike makes a splash in successful swimming challenge for Epilepsy Action

Mike makes a splash in successful swimming challenge for Epilepsy Action

Mike McClay, a member at The Shrewsbury Club, has used the facilities on offer at the health and fitness club to raise funds for a charity close to his heart by successfully completing a swimming challenge.

Mike, from Myddle, near Shrewsbury, was diagnosed with epilepsy when he was aged 11 and had not been in a swimming pool for many years until literally jumping back in at the deep end earlier this year.

Such was his desire to raise funds for Epilepsy Action to help other people with the condition, Mike came up with the idea to attempt to swim as many lengths as possible within one hour. His many hours of training with Sam Heenan, a gym instructor at The Shrewsbury Club, paid off when Mike completed an excellent 34 lengths, impressively smashing his pre-challenge target of 20 lengths in the process. 

Mike said: “The response which I’ve had from people has been incredible, so a big thank you to everyone who kindly sponsored me.Special thanks to The Shrewsbury Club’s management and especially to Sam, my trainer, as this would have been an impossible challenge without his motivation, dedication and endless encouragement.”   

Alvin Ward, the manager at The Shrewsbury Club, added: “We are very proud to have Mike as a member and he has worked so hard to achieve this goal. It is excellent that he has raised so much money for such a worthy cause. We’re also proud of Sam Heenan, a valued gym instructor here at the club. Sam has a great way about him and, just as he does with all our members, has put a huge amount of effort into helping Mike be prepared and ready for his swim challenge. We are delighted that this is one more example of our members achieving their personal exercise objectives."

Mike has so far raised £369 for Epilepsy Action - his initial target was £75 - with money still rolling in. If you would like to donate to Mike’s successful swimming challenge, please visit www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/mike-mcclay

Pictured: Mike McClay, in the swimming pool at The Shrewsbury Club, is grateful for the support he received from Sam Heenan, his trainer, after his successful charity challenge in aid of Epilepsy Action.