Strokes for Sands

November Swimming Challenge 2025

Bec’s First Swim

Bec’s now out of the starting blocks and has clocked up a very impressive 160 lengths this evening!  😨 Well done Bec!

Here’s what she had to say about the experience;

Well, that’s the first swim done for myself. After a very long time out of the pool it actually felt so good to get back in today. 160 lengths in the bag tonight! 🏊‍♀️ 


Going in, I was aiming to hit 80 tonight. But the more I did, actually seemed to improve my aching shoulders so i decided to carry it on. Weird. The first 120 were all front crawl the next 40 backstroke (turns out I’m a lot quicker on my back than front)! 🫣 As Rob mentioned counting these lengths definitely the hardest part 🤯 probably repeated a few at times but who knows haha!


Now for a nice hot shower and bed. Then tomorrow on to the next 🏊‍♀️ …

Thank you again to everyone who has supported us on this journey so far, we really appreciate it!! 🤍 xx”


Sharing is caring ;)

Thank you so, so much to everyone who has shown their support  for our fundraiser so far!
Whether it’s an onwards share of our page, heartwarming message of support or a donation every action makes a huge difference in helping us to support this amazing charity!

We’re clocking up the kilometres in the pool and the half way to 10k is in sight
… the shoulders are definitely feeling it tonight though! 

Rob’s first swim…

Just me for the swim today… Bec has got some catching up to do! 😅

So, I’ve done my first 100 lengths (2.5km) (but it may be a couple more)

As my mind regularly wandered off… the conversation with myself as I was swimming went something like this…
“Uh, was that 16 or 18?? I’m not sure… 18, I think. Hmm, I’m not sure, I don’t want to count lengths I’ve not done so I’d better make it 16. Yeah, let’s call it 16, I won’t forget again, I’’ll definitely keep track from here”.  Needless to say… it happened a few times. 😂

An interesting thing I’ve also learned today is this site will only let you log whole Kilometers! So I’ve actually only logged it as 80 lengths (2km) 😩 
Note to self… Make sure you are swimming in multiples of 40 lengths!

Well at least we’re off and going, next time I might just stick to 80 lengths… or should I aim for 120?

P.s if anyone has a method for keeping on track of how many lengths they’re doing without using a smartwatch, please do share! 

X

Strokes for Sands

We are a sibling team from the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire and baby loss is something that has deeply touched both of our families as well as the lives of many of our closest friends.


We have seen the difference that Sands make… Their support, compassion, and work to break the silence around baby loss means so much to so many families like ours and that’s why we want to give something back.


Together, we’ll each be swimming 10k in November to raise awareness and funds for Sands — to honour the babies we’ve lost, to support the families who need help today, and to contribute to a future where fewer families experience this pain.


We need your support to make a difference! Whether you’re able to donate to this important cause or want to take on the challenge yourself and swim with us, every contribution counts.

Help us raise awareness, and support Sands in providing essential support for families who have experienced baby loss.


Thank you x

Our Achievements

Thank you to our Sponsors

£32

Sue Carruthers

Well done you two! Keep counting those lengths Rob!

£32

Hannah Elton-wall

Well done to you and your sister! X

£27

Roger & Heather Toomer

Keep up the good work, all for a great cause

£22

Ellie Roberts

£17

Jodie

Good luck guys!

£17

Gemma Evans

£17

Rebecca Toomer

£15

Rob Toomer

£15

Rich Fishlock

Good luck Rob and Bec!

£11

Sheri

£11

Kirsty Dunleavy-harris

A great challenge for a great cause - you can do it both!! <3

£10

Wendy Baldwin

£6

Kim Owston

Well done both. Great cause.