BBC Staff Participate in Charity Swim Challenge for Children in Need

Personnel from various BBC radio stations are participating in The Thousand Mile Swim challenge, an initiative supporting Children in Need. Each participating team is required to complete a total distance of 25 miles (40km). Eleanor Maslin, a journalist, is a member of the Lincoln swimming team. Ms. Maslin shared her initial uncertainty about the undertaking: “I was not quite sure how it would pan out when I agreed to swim a mile each day for five days in a row.” She further noted the difficulty, stating, “Five mornings of swimming about 64 lengths a day and then working is certainly no mean feat, even for a keen swimmer like myself. I am certainly feeling it heading into our final swim!” Within the local region, two teams are engaged in the challenge, representing Radio Humberside and Radio Lincolnshire. The Lincoln swim team comprises Producer Sue Taylor, presenters Sean Dunderdale and Scott Dalton, multi-platform journalist Sarah-May Buccieri, and Ms. Maslin. Sarah-May Buccieri provided comments to BBC Radio Lincolnshire prior to the second-to-last swim on Thursday. She stated, “I was feeling quite down this morning about it but this lovely woman wearing Pudsey merch on the poolside instilled us all with so much hope.” Ms. Buccieri added, “We’re so close to the end.” Sean Dunderdale, upon finishing his 40th length on Thursday, remarked, “Oh it’s hurting but we’re nearly there, I’m counting them off.” Scott Dalton commented, “I don’t know what’s happened to me but I’ve fallen in love with swimming. Last week I hated it.” Concurrently, the Hull team is also experiencing difficulties with the challenge. Its members include presenters Carla Greene, Kofi Smiles, and Richard Stead, alongside senior journalist Richard Madden and producer Charlie O’Loughlin. Carla Greene, speaking on BBC Radio Humberside on the fourth day of their swim, stated, “I do feel a bit more energised today but my right shoulder has been giving me a bit of grief.” She further noted, “I think yesterday we were all a bit shattered.” Producer Charlie O’Loughlin commented, “As someone who isn’t a natural swimmer and struggle to walk in a straight line sometimes, 62 lengths is way out of my comfort zone.” He concluded, “It’s been a fabulous opportunity and an amazing team.” Richard Madden, whom the Hull team has nicknamed “Manta Ray,” indicated that the challenge also positively impacted his mental well-being. He remarked, “I didn’t realise how good it would make me feel. I’ve often struggled with my self confidence but being in the pool has changed that.” Mr. Madden added, “I’ve definitely caught the swimming bug and will make sure a trip to the pool becomes a regular thing.” Kofi Smiles also expressed that the team’s camaraderie had “exceeded” his expectations. He stated, “The experience wouldn’t be anything without my teammates. The laughter and joy has been a real driving force.” To date, The Thousand Mile Swim Challenge has successfully raised £70,000 for BBC Children In Need. The organizers extended gratitude to donors, leisure centers that provided access to their swimming pools, and the inspiring members of the public encountered throughout the event. Participants anticipate wearing their Pudsey swim caps for the concluding session. A lighthearted inquiry was made: “Anyone got a hot tub we can sit in instead?” Listeners can access highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, view the most recent episode of Look North, or submit potential news stories for consideration. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding the BBC’s policy on external linking is available.