In at the deep end

IF swimming a mile in open water is enough to make you quail, then spare a thought for 41-year-old Nicola Hall who is set to take to the water at Salford Quays in aid of charity.

The mother-of-two, who is a special needs teaching assistant at Roundthorn Academy, will don a wet suit alongside husband Andy and leap into the cold on Saturday in the Great Manchester Swim.

Nicola, who took part in the swim two years ago, is raising money for Dr Kershaw’s Hospice in memory of Andy’s parents, Jack and Jean Hall.

Jean died in Kershaw’s from lung cancer, and four months later her husband died in the hospice from prostate cancer.

Nicola’s godmother, Pat Kirkbride, also died in Dr Kershaw’s, and Nicola wanted to say thank-you to staff for their kindness and compassion.

She said: “I feel it really did make their stay a happy one.”

Nicola raised more than £750 for Macmillan Cancer Support with the Great Manchester Swim two years ago, when her parents-in-law were both being cared for by the charity.

She completed it in 43 minutes but this time aims to lop up to 13 minutes off her time by swapping breast stroke for front crawl.

““Please will you support me and donate to Dr Kershaw’s so we can help them to continue to provide excellent facilities and care to patients and their families,” added Nicola.

Donate online at www.justgiving.com/Nicky-Hall

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