The Arla Great North Swim is an annual multi-distance event which sees hundreds of fundraisers take to Lake Windermere in ‘waves’, in support of chosen charities, or for a dose of mindful swimming.
The event, which offers six different open water swimming distances to suit all ages, abilities, and level of experience, takes place this year from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 June.
This year they are introducing The Quiet Wave; a half a mile introductory swim for keen fundraisers with neurodiverse conditions.
Headway supports people who have been affected by brain injuries as well as their loved ones, at every stage of their journey.
Headway Event Manager, Holly Howey, explains: “This is a unique partnership which will see Headway and Arla Great North Swim offering brain injury survivors and those who require extra support an essential dedicated period in which to take part.”
“A brain injury survivor can experience a huge range of debilitating symptoms; attending bright, noisy, crowded events is often not possible as they can exacerbate these symptoms, contributing to feelings of isolation and exclusion.”
“Being able to participate in The Quiet Wave changes that; it will enable survivors to enjoy all the event has to offer, free from additional stress and anxiety”.
Alice Peyredieu, Head of Marketing, Arla Great North Swim, said: “The Arla Great North Swim is a weekend-long celebration of open water swimming.
“It’s open to all – which means people of all abilities, experiences, and neurodiverse conditions.
“Normally there’s over 300 people in a wave, plus supporters, music, and cheering – which is of course fantastic. But for some people with neuro issues, this can be off-putting.
“The Quiet Wave is open to all swimmers who want to get in the water in a quieter environment. We won’t have any music playing, a low-level PA and a reduced capacity so swimmers can get in the water with plenty of space around them.”
The event offers ‘stunning scenery, the best of local food and drink, outdoor activities, culture, art, history and thousands of like-minded people coming together.’
Alice added: “We think of it more as an open water adventure than a race!”
Headway is also looking to put together a team of 10 to raise money and awareness for Headway’s vital work. They will join Eden Harlow, 25, Nottingham from the Headway Fundraising team for The Quiet Wave.
Eden said: “This is a brilliant opportunity for swimmers of all abilities to come together to support Headway and raise awareness of the effects of brain injury.
“It’s a welcoming and healthy space and I’m so excited to lead Headway’s first ever Great North Swim team.”
The Quiet Wave will be held on the Sunday at 2pm. For more information on how the event supports brain injury survivors and those with neurodiverse conditions, visit the event page.
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