Former swim teacher takes on Lake Windermere dip for charity
A woman who used to teach swimming took the plunge back into the water to raise money for the charity she now works for.
Joanna Nicholas, 28, from Preston, braved the chilly waters of Lake Windermere to compete in the Great North Swim to raise money for the learning disability charity, Hft.
Jo, who works as a deputy manager at two supported living services run by the charity, completed her two-mile swim in an hour and 20 minutes – raising £200.
A keen swimmer since she was a child, Jo used to represent Lancashire in the 50-metre breaststroke as a teenager.
She then went on to teach swimming to babies aged from 12 week upwards, adult classes and athletes training for triathlons.
“I used to swim lots as a child, but don’t do it as much now,” said Jo.
“I didn’t do as much practice as I had hoped for ahead of the event.”
Jo said she found the swim challenging – and nearly gave up after completing the first mile.
“It was pretty cold in the lake,” she laughed.
“And it was relatively choppy. I was also wearing a surfing wetsuit rather than a swimming one, which didn’t help.
“I did contemplate stopping after the first mile, but I carried on. I was determined to finish.
“At the last half mile, I picked up my speed as I wanted to beat the man I was keeping pace with and get infront of him.”
Jo was met at the finish line by her mum Stella who had travelled over from Malta, her partner Daniel, her brother Sam and his wife Becky and their dog Loki and her dog Connie.
“It was great to see everyone cheering me to the finishing line,” she said. “I felt a real sense of achievement.”
Jo has been working for Hft at supported living services in Preston and Leyland since 2020 when she had to halt her swimming lessons due to the Covid pandemic.
She started with the charity as a support worker and is now Deputy Service Manager at the two sites, which support four learning disabled adults.
Jo said: “I soon realised what a rewarding job it was.
“You get a real sense of accomplishment when you help a person we support reach a goal, or attend an activity.
“I really enjoy being able to support people to attend activities, holidays and even supporting them with employment.
“I would encourage everyone considering a career change to give support work a try, and see what a difference they can make to peoples’ lives.”
Jo is planning to get back in the water next year and is hoping to tackle the 5k Windermere swim.
“I’d like to go back next year and tackle the 5k swim next time,” said Jo.
”Working for Hft I wanted to give something back and do something to raise money for the adults we support.
“Next time, I am planning to rope someone else in to do the longer swim with me.
“And I am hoping that when I get back in Lake Windemere, the sun will be shining.”
Anyone wanting to donate to Jo’s challenge can do so at Hft (HF Trust Ltd): Joanna’s page.
If you want to find out more about a career with Hft visit Hft – Careers.
