‘It’s for a great paws!’ - Reporter takes on Swimathon for Canine Partners

And trust me, it’s only the power of puppy dog eyes that could get me to commit to doing anything slightly sporty.

This year, the Rotary Club of Bedford selected Canine Partners, a charity that trains assistance dogs for disabled people, to receive half of the expected £10,000 total raised from their 10th annual Swimathon.

So far there are 22 teams, from schools, clubs, charities and other organisations participating in the Community Sponsored Charity Swimathon that encourages swimmers to raise funds for their favourite charity.

And it’s for a very special cause because the club are sponsoring Ayla, an eight week old female Yellow Labrador, who will be trained at Canine Partners’ local satellite in Bedford.

Teams of up to six will swim in relay for 50 minutes raising money to go towards Ayla’s initial training, helping to prepare her to become an assistance dog for a disabled person and undoubtedly transform their life.

If that wasn’t enough, every swimmer will receive a commemorative medallion and there are trophies for those who raised the most sponsorship.

So water you wading for? Sign up with me before Saturday to take part in the Swimathon on November 23 at Bedford School swimming pool.

Enter your team online or download an entry form at www.rotaryswimathon.org.uk or contact Keith on 01234 407478/[email protected].

Or if you don’t want to don your own swimming costume, why not sponsor those who are by visiting the website?

See you at the Swimathon!