Steve braves cold, open water in memory of a friend

Steve Sutcliffe

AN Oldham health chief is competing in several open-water swimming competitions to raise money in memory of an old school friend.

Steve Sutcliffe, the NHS Oldham finance director, will be taking part in the British Gas Great British Swims, which involves swimming in five of the country’s open water lakes or rivers.

Steve will compete in memory of Kate Lever, a former school friend who died from meningitis.

Steve will be swimming a mile on the Thames (May 26), two miles on Alton Water (June 16), two miles on Lake Windermere (June 22), a mile at Salford Quays (July 1) and two miles on Strathclyde Water (August 25).

He said: “I am raising money for the Meningitis Trust. Those who knew Kate from school in Brighouse have very dear and fond memories. Last year I did the Salford Quays swim for The Christie and I have raised money for the Meningitis Trust before. This year I wanted to go all-out to raise as much money as possible for a very good cause.”

If you would like to donate for Steve’s charity challenge, visit his JustGiving page at: www.justgiving.com/Stephen-Sutcliffe1