The League of Friends to The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH) are encouraging members of the local community to take the plunge and sign up for their open water swim fundraiser.

The hospital Friends and their event partners Swimifinity are pleased announce that the Mere Mile will be returning for the third consecutive year on Monday 29th August at the Mere in Ellesmere.

This year’s Mere Mile, which is sponsored by Shropshire Pools and Spas, follows on from an extremely successful 2021 event, in which just under 200 swimmers took part and an incredible £19,500 was raised.

Over 40 volunteers dedicated their time to help with the running of the event last year; members of Borderlands and Ellesmere Rotary Clubs, safety boat crews and over 20 kayakers and stand-up paddle boarders who took to the water to ensure the swimmers were kept safe throughout.

Participants can choose between two distances – 1 mile or 2.5 miles. Entry numbers for each category are limited, with space for 250 swimmers to undertake the mile swim and 150 for the 2.5 miles.

Each participant will receive an event swim hat, goodie bag and finishers memento.

Victoria Sugden, Charity Director for the Friends, said: “We have so enjoyed this event over the last couple of years, bringing people together for an outdoor event has had such a positive effect on us all whilst raising money for the hospital we all value so much.

“We know that many people swim for fun, for the challenge, or to train for other events – whatever the reason we look forward to welcoming everyone to a successful swim again this year.

“Tremendous thanks to our partners Swimfinity and our sponsors Shropshire Pools and Spas who have helped us build such a wonderful event – please do get your entries in soon!”

James Bainbridge of Swimfinity said: “We are proud and excited to partner once again with the Friends to raise valuable and much needed funds to support their critical work.

“As we emerge from the Global pandemic, the appetite for outdoor swimming is greater than ever, and we’re looking forwards to providing training opportunities at The Mere throughout the Summer months leading up to The Mere Mile, as well as providing logistical support on the day.

“2021 saw swimmers raise a phenomenal amount of money, which we hope to see smashed again this year! Swimmers – practice makes progress, so contact Swimfinity to support your training effort.”

To register to become a swimmer please visit the dedicated event page:

If you wish to make a donation to support the fundraising campaign please visit:

If you’re interested providing volunteer support you can contact the team directly by: