KAREN Gutans, who has been a swimming instructor of Crediton Leisure Centre pool for the past eight years is training for an open water one-mile swim at Roadford Reservoir, Okehampton, on Wednesday, September 26.
Karen, who lives at Beech Park, Crediton, told the Courier she has entered a swim organised by Exeter Hospiscare as a fundraising event, in memory of her mother who died from skin cancer in July 2007.
Karen swims twice a week and tries to get to an open water swim at Budleigh Salterton each week. "I'm looking forward to raising money for a cause dear to my heart," she said.
The swim at Roadford is the first of its kind in Devon and is expected to attract swimmers from many parts of the UK. Hospiscare is hoping for 1,500 entrants.
"I did the Topsham to Turf Locks swim on Saturday, a distance of one and a half miles, which took me about 56 minutes and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
"A total of 113 swimmers took part. I swam front crawl all the way, not quite realising where I was heading until I saw a huge crowd on the river bank and thought we must be nearly finished.
"Hot chocolate was provided, plus spare towels. I was very grateful for both as I just wore a swimsuit, so needed to wrap up as soon as I got out of the water. I had brought my husband specifically to carry my bag but he did not arrive until well after I had finished!
"My next swim is a challenge to swim round Burgh Islanbd on Bank Holiday Monday; then I'll be well and truly ready for Roadford!"