YORKSHIRE LADY TAKES ON ULTIMATE CHARITY SWIMMING CHALLENGE

Tamsyn Quormby, from York, is taking on the ultimate Swim for Survival challenge to raise funds and awareness for Pancreatic Cancer Action. Tamsyn will be swimming the 26.2 miles, 1,688 lengths over a three month period starting this month, at her local pool, Selby Leisure Centre.

Tamsyn hopes to raise funds and awareness of pancreatic cancer in memory of her father Tom Quornby. Tom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in November 2009, just days after Tamsyn's son's first birthday which he was too ill to attend. He had a short but horrendous battle with the disease and sadly died on 20th January 2010, aged 66 soon after retiring.

Tamsyn said: “I recently took part in a running challenge where I saw some fundraisers in the Pancreatic Cancer Action running vest. As soon as I got home, I looked up the charity and was determined to take part in a new challenge to raise funds and awareness for them.

“I also wanted to do something that would be a real challenge for me and Swim for Survival is perfect as I am not a particularly strong swimmer”

After her first day of the Swim for Survival challenge on Tuesday 2nd November Tamsyn said: “My intention was to take things nice and slowly and aim to do around 20-30 lengths. After all, the only time I normally go swimming is during my two week summer holiday so I had no idea what I was capable of. However, the pool was lovely and quiet and I found I was really enjoying having some time to myself, all in the name of such a great cause.

“Whilst counting my lengths, I found myself thinking about my dad and how he used to take me swimming when I was little. Before I knew it I was half way to a mile and still going strong. Then surprisingly it was 80 lengths, so why not try and make it to a nice round 100? At 10.15am I left the pool, a little shakily, but feeling pleased with my achievement. So, now only another 1588 lengths to go!”

Pancreatic Cancer is the UK's fifth biggest cancer killer and 24 people die a day from the disease. The 5 year survival rate is just 4%, a figure which has not changed in over 40 years. Most pancreatic cancer patients are diagnosed too late. Pancreatic Cancer Action is determined to get more patients diagnosed early and in time for life-saving surgery. Pancreatic Cancer Action is committed to working towards earlier diagnosis of the disease so that surgery, currently the only cure, is made available to the sufferer.

Ali Stunt, Founder of Pancreatic Cancer Action, said: “We are delighted that Tamsyn is kindly giving her time to support Pancreatic Cancer Action. As a charity, we rely on the generosity of individuals like Tamsyn to help us continue our vital work.” You can support her by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/Tamsyn-Quormby1

From running your local 5K to skydiving, and cycling from London to Brighton to walking the Great Wall of China, Pancreatic Cancer Action has a number of ways you can take part in a fun fundraising activity. To find out more, please visit www.pancreaticcanceraction.org or call 0303 040 1770.