Member Inspiring Story – Swimming 50km in gratitude to local cancer charity Above & Beyond

One of our members’ chosen charities this year is Above and Beyond Cancer Foundation, a small local charity providing vital 1:1 support to cancer patients and their loved ones. They offer holistic treatments such as reflexology, reiki and relaxation sessions, helping people manage the ongoing side effects of cancer diagnosis and treatment within the local community.

Long-standing member Alex, who nominated them this year, got in touch to share that he is also fundraising directly for the charity this November — and he has set himself the incredible challenge of swimming 50km!

Alex’s wife and fellow member Kirsty was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023. Since then, she has faced her treatment and surgeries with grit, determination and spirit. Above & Beyond were there for both of them throughout her treatment and recovery.

Alex shared:
“They genuinely made a difference, not just to Kirsty’s recovery but to how we got through it together.”

Kirsty was invited to wellbeing and pamper days, offered regular check-ins over a coffee, and supported in ways that brought normality back into their lives. When everything becomes cancer, hospital visits and treatment plans, Above & Beyond were the gentle support system they both needed.

“So, this swim’s for them — and for everyone who might need that same care and kindness in the future,” Alex added.

Karen Chin, Co-Founder and Trustee of the Charity wanted to share her thanks, “Alex has been incredible. We are so humbled and moved by his efforts and grateful for his fundraising efforts.”

As many of you will know, our pool is 20m long — so this challenge means a lot of laps and a huge amount of determination. Alex has just passed the halfway mark and aims to reach the full 50km by the 30th November.

We wish Alex all the very best with the remainder of his challenge and hope he raises an amazing amount for such a worthy cause.  If you see him in the pool, do share a few words of encouragement and motivation!

If you’d like to support Alex and his marathon swim, you can donate here:
www.justgiving.com/page/alex-jones

You can also read more about Above and Beyond on their website.