11th June 2026
Carly takes on Windermere for Nottinghamshire Hospice — for the 12th time!
Carly from Beeston is taking on the Great North Swim to raise vital funds, diving into the stunning waters of Windermere for what will be her 12th swim at the event.
“I first did the Great North Swim in 2014 and have done it every year, including during Covid when they encouraged you to do a personal challenge, so this will be my 12th swim up in Windermere. It’s amazing as you’re not racing – the organisers are very keen to stress that it’s not a race – and you’re really just competing with yourself and looking at the amazing scenery and all the people who are cheering you, some friends and family, some local people.”
Keeping it light-hearted
Carly tries to keep things fun on the day. “I like to keep it light-hearted and often joke about Bow-Nessie, playing on the name of the town Bowness, near where the event takes place. I’ve never spotted Bow-Nessie but one day I hope to!”
Why swimming felt right
The Great North Swim is an event that welcomes everyone, and that’s exactly what drew Carly to it. “I chose swimming as an activity as I wanted to do something active but know I’m not a runner. I only wanted to do something that was a challenge to me and the Great North Swim felt like an event that that was true for. One where you don’t have to be a professional to join in and do your best.”
Supporting local care
Having worked in the charity sector with organisations like the YMCA, Carly is no stranger to fundraising. After recently moving to Nottingham from Leicestershire, she chose Nottinghamshire Hospice as her cause to support this year.
“I wanted to stay true to supporting local and know how valuable the services are that the hospice provides. Nottinghamshire Hospice does the most amazing work supporting people and families when they need it most in our local community. Every pound genuinely helps provide this support, which gives me extra motivation when my goggles start leaking halfway round!”
The difference people like Carly make
Every pound Carly raises will make a real difference. Just £40 pays for an hour of overnight home care for one of our patients, giving families the chance to rest and recover safe in the knowledge their loved one is being cared for. Last year, we enabled 96% of our patients to die at home, something that the overwhelming majority of people say is where they would want to be with their loved ones. None of that is possible without the generosity of people like Carly.
Good luck Carly, and a huge thank you from everyone at Nottinghamshire Hospice!
Support Carly’s swim…or take on your own challenge!
If you’d like to support Carly and wish her luck, you can do so here: Carly Baraclough is fundraising for Nottinghamshire Hospice