Fylde swimmers endure 24-hour charity challenge to raise over £9,000 for Derian House hospice

Six dedicated swimmers from across the Fylde coast have raised £9,359 for Derian House children’s hospice by completing a gruelling 24-hour relay swim - the equivalent of swimming the English Channel and back.

Calling themselves ‘The Lap Pack’, the team - David Mason, Adam Taylor, Adam Gregson, Dan Green, Jack McGuinness and Michelle Tickle - dived into the challenge at Ribby Hall Village near Wrea Green.

The team, who have built strong friendships through their regular early-morning swims at Ribby Hall Village, wanted to put their miles in the pool to good use an taking turns in the water around the clock, the six swimmers battled fatigue, aching muscles, and sleep deprivation to raise vital funds for the hospice at Chorley.

“It was incredibly tough, both physically and mentally, especially as the hours went on and fatigue started to set in,” said Michelle Tickle, from Kirkham.

“Getting back into the water became harder with every hour. What felt manageable during the day became much colder overnight and into the early morning. And to top it all off, I had a flight to catch to Florida just hours later!

“The team spirit was amazing throughout. It kept us all going, and we had a few laughs along the way. Everyone encouraged each other, and knowing we were raising money for such an important cause kept us motivated when things became difficult.

“In the last leg of the challenge, during Jack’s final swim, we all joined him for the final two lengths. That was a special moment for all of us and brought the event to a fitting close. We then celebrated with a boomerang jump at the end!

“I couldn’t have asked for a better team to share this challenge with. Thank you so much to everyone who donated - we couldn’t have done it without you all.”

David Mason of Wrea Green added: “It was an incredibly difficult challenge, and we all really began to feel it around the 20 hour mark.

“I had the idea during a swim one morning. I wanted to do something to support Derian House, as I’ve been familiar with the hospice and what it does for its families for over 20 years.

“It wasn’t an easy challenge – it was the camaraderie of our team that got us through the night. We had snacks on hand to fuel us through the night, particularly for me it was chicken and Haribo. Everybody was getting plenty of electrolytes and carbs.

“Before the challenge, the team took a look around the hospice and everyone fell in love with the place.

“Everyone there is smiling, there’s a tremendous atmosphere. I take my hat off to everyone at Derian House. Not many people know that the hospice relies on fundraisers to survive, so that it can continue to support local families.

“Care is free for families at Derian House, but it will cost £6m to run services in 2026, with only around 30 per cent funded by the government. We couldn’t do what we do without supporters like these.”

Kerry Salmon, Community Fundraiser at Derian House, said: “The Lap Pack really made a splash for Derian House.

“To swim through the day and night while raising more than £9,000 is an outstanding achievement.

“Every pound raised will help us continue providing care and support to local children and families.”