Best friends take the plunge for FORCE with marathon swim challenge!

Two best friends, Harriet and Amelia have swam the equivalent of a marathon in a single day to raise money for FORCE Cancer Charity, after one of their fathers received support from the charity following a diagnosis of terminal lymphatic cancer.

Harriet and Amelia took on the extraordinary challenge at Woodbury Park Golf and Country Club, Exeter on Monday 31 August, swimming a combined distance of 42.2 kilometres, the equivalent of a marathon.

What began as a fundraising idea just three weeks ago has captured the imagination of hundreds of supporters. Their Just Giving page has already raised an incredible £11,369, far exceeding their original target.

FORCE Cancer Charity has been supporting people affected by cancer across Devon for nearly 40 years. Through its Exeter based FORCE Centre and outreach locations across the county, the charity provides free practical, emotional and psychological support for anyone affected by a cancer diagnosis, as well as their families and carers. Services include counselling, support groups, well-being programmes, benefits advice and complementary therapies, helping people navigate the challenges that cancer can bring.

The challenge was sparked when Amelia suggested organising a fundraiser and asked Harriet’s father to choose the charity.

“Just three weeks ago, Amelia announced she was going to do a fundraiser for a charity chosen by Dad,” said Harriet. “Despite the short window, we decided to swim the distance of a marathon between us. We set up the Just Giving page that evening and woke up the next day to £1,000 and the realisation that we needed to start training for this mammoth challenge.”

The pair, both former competitive swimmers, have thrown themselves into preparation despite the limited training time.

“Physically, we had no doubt we can both get to 21.1 kilometres each, but it’s preparing for the mental battle that comes with spending around seven hours in the pool,” said Amelia. “We’ve been working with an ex-coach to focus on the reasons we’re doing this and what kept us going when things got tough.”

Harriet has long admired the work of FORCE, having seen the impact the charity has had on friends and family members affected by cancer.

“From a young age, I’d seen family friends supported by FORCE and how much of a difference it made,” she said. “When my dad was diagnosed, we experienced that support first hand. The FORCE Centre is a stable pillar for so many people on a cancer journey, and this challenge gives us the chance to give something back.”

Their fundraising journey has been marked by overwhelming support from the local community and beyond.

“We’ve been completely blown away,” said Amelia. “People have been so generous, including many who don’t know us personally. Almost everyone has been touched by cancer in some way and people genuinely want the opportunity to help. We feel incredibly grateful.”

The duo initially hoped to raise £1,500, reaching that target within 24 hours. A new goal of £5,000 followed and was achieved within five days. Now, having passed the remarkable £10,000 milestone and are hoping to continue raising more…

For Harriet, crossing the finish line represented much more than just completing a physical challenge.

“It meant so much,” she said. “While it was just us in the pool, we felt as though we were swimming on behalf of so many others. The hundreds of people who have donated, our friends and family who have helped us organise this in such a short time, and most importantly the thousands of people who have been supported by FORCE.”

Harriet also has a simple message for anyone facing cancer.

“Don’t go through it alone. There are charities doing incredible work to help people affected by cancer. Reach out and get the support you need.”

Rachael Bryett, Head of Income Generation at FORCE Cancer Charity, said:

“We are incredibly grateful to Harriet and Amelia for taking on such an inspiring challenge. To raise £11,000 in just a few weeks is a phenomenal achievement, but what makes this story particularly special is the personal connection behind it. Their determination and commitment to helping others affected by cancer is truly remarkable, and the money they raise will help ensure that people across Devon can continue to access the vital support and services they need.”

Supporters can follow Harriet and Amelia’s progress and donate via their Just Giving page at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/swim-marathon.