Christine swims across lake Windermere

Taking the inspiration of the Great North Run the Great North Swim uses the formula of a mass participation event providing a challenge for which the participant can train and prepare. Returning Great Britain Heroes, Government officials, celebrities and fun swimmers all took
part including Mark Foster.

The first Great North Swim took place on 13th September in England's largest natural lake, - Lake Windermere. Over 2,000 swimmers took to the challenge of the one mile open water course against the stunning backdrop of the Lake District National Park.

Christine comments…

‘Well guys I managed to swim across Windermere, chilly but fantastic, Mark Foster was there, but he didn't get in the water... WIMP!!!!! I met a woman from ME Sheffield, who was lovely and I swam with her brother...

And then does the Great North Run…

So, once I had dried out, it was time to do my final training for this years Great North Run. This was my fourth run and second one with my boyfriend Andrew. As usual the nerves kick in a little at the start, but the atmosphere is so electric, you are just buzzing to start.

Once again, I had some friends and relatives also running for ME North East and it was great to see so many orange t shirts out there on the course.

We finished in under two hours and was so glad to see my cousin Joanna at the end with a lovely cup of tea and cake!

The goody bags were excellent- dare I say better than the BUPA ones!!

Well done everyone who was involved in the organisation – roll on next year!!

ME North East want to say a massive thank you to Christine - her continued enthusiasm and dedication is very much appreciated!