From Spire to Stump: 31 mile swim down River Witham

27th July, 2018

Five swimmers from Boston, Lincolnshire have swum the 31-mile stretch down the River Witham from Lincoln to Boston.

Starting at 5am, the swimmers set off with the ambition to complete the swim by 9pm the same evening. Swimming in relay, in 30-minute shifts, the team of five swam to raise money for the Butterfly Hospice Trust. They have smashed their £1,000 target and are now aiming to raise £2,000. You can support them via JustGiving.

Steve Roberts and his fellow swimmers – Daniel Pearson, Tom Marsters, Kathryn Sperring and Jemma Tointon – are all members of Boston Swimming Club. “It took about 10 months of planning, but it was a totally mind-blowing experience,” says Steve. “We were all a bit nervous when we started, but the nerves soon faded.”

The swimmers were supported by Boston Rowing Club and Boston Canoe Club. “The support team were excellent, encouraging us all the way,” says Steve. “The river is quite bendy and a lot of weed, but the skills of the support guys made it possible. The best bit was when we turned into the final bend, about a mile from the end. We could see our glorious St Botolph’s church, also known as the Boston stump, the tallest church in the UK. It was then we realised we were nearly home, the crowd that awaited us was about 100 strong. It was simply the best day. Best swim. Best team. Would we do it again? Just try and stop us!”

Photos: David Dales