A HOSPICE S fund-raising swimming target was blown out of the water, with the help of firefighters from Buntingford. About 250 people gathered at the Haileybury Sports Complex in Hertford to raise funds for the Isabel Hospice in Welwyn Garden City. It w

A HOSPICE'S fund-raising swimming target was blown out of the water, with the help of firefighters from Buntingford.

About 250 people gathered at the Haileybury Sports Complex in Hertford to raise funds for the Isabel Hospice in Welwyn Garden City.

It was holding its annual Pink Swim, in which swimmers were set the challenge together of completing 100 miles in the pool.

More than 45 teams came together, including a team of Buntingford firefighters, to smash the target by 115 miles.

Organiser Julia Skinner said: "We were overwhelmed with the number of swimmers this year, as well as the mileage that they put in.

"Last year we raised £16,000 from 150 swimmers. We estimate that for every mile swam we raised £100.

"That means we should beat last year's total by a fair way, which is a fantastic achievement for our 25th anniversary year."

Julia also praised Buntingford firefighter Wesley Cook for his involvement in the event, as he helped the Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service put together a team of 70 swimmers.

She said: "An enormous thanks must go to all the firefighters and their team members.

"Wesley was brilliant in organising a massive team and we couldn't have completed the miles we did without them."

Wesley, of Oak End, was taking part in the swim in the memory of his mum Sandra Hooper, who was in the hospice's care.

He said: "It was a brilliant day and we all really enjoyed it. The Isabel Hospice does so much for the community."

- For more details on Isabel Hospice events call 01707 376782 or visit the website at www.isabelhospice.org.uk