Swimming the Distance

Swimming the Distance: A Virtual Coastline Challenge for Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation

Swim your miles. Make them matter.

This June, we’re taking on something big.

Together, we’re swimming the equivalent of the entire UK coastline — one mile at a time. But this year, we’re doing it differently.

Swimming the Distance has moved to the summer, making it easier to get in the water, build a routine, and enjoy every mile you swim.

Whether you swim in your local pool, the sea, open water, or a leisure centre, you can choose your distance and complete it across the month.

Every mile you swim moves us further around Britain and supports people affected by lung cancer. So what are you waiting for? Sign up today!

The Challenge

The UK coastline measures approximately 7,700 miles.

Our goal? To swim it collectively during June.

Choose your distance:

· 1 mile

· 5 miles

· 10 miles

· 22 miles (the distance of the English Channel)

· Or set your own distance

Whatever distance you choose, you’ll be part of something bigger.

We’ll then track our collective progress during June, marking milestones such as reaching Cornwall or completing Scotland… This is a shared national mission!

Why It Matters

Swimming takes commitment.

It means booking sessions. Setting early alarms. Fitting it around work and family life. Sometimes, even paying for pool time.

By moving this challenge to summer, we’re giving you the best chance to make it work — longer days, warmer water, and more flexibility to fit swimming into your routine.

By choosing to dedicate your swims to this challenge, you’re turning that commitment into something powerful. Because every mile represents the strength it takes to live with lung cancer. And because every stretch of coastline represents someone we’re swimming for.

Who are you swimming along the coast for?

What You’ll Receive

Register for free with a £200 fundraising pledge, and you’ll receive:

✔ Free Swimming the Distance swim cap

✔ Digital swim tracker and coastline map

✔ Exclusive Swimming the Distance swim cap

✔ Access to our private Facebook community

But that’s not all! As you fundraise, you’ll unlock:

£50 Anti-fog goggle spray

£100 Microfibre swim towel

£200 Official Swimming the Distance medal

Digital certificate for completing the challenge

Top fundraisers Coast Champions recognition

There will also be freebies and giveaways in the Facebook group! This is a challenge designed for swimmers. Practical. Earned. Meaningful.

The Community

You won’t be swimming alone.

Inside our private Facebook group, you’ll find:

· Weekly progress updates

· Mile check-ins

· Stories from people affected by lung cancer

· Celebration posts

· Motivation and support

Whether you’re swimming 1 mile or 22, you’re part of the same coastline journey.

Fundraising Impact

By taking part, you’ll be helping Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation:

· Provide trusted information at diagnosis

· Deliver nurse-led support

· Run support groups across the UK

And so much more, because your swims fund real, practical support.

Ready to Make Waves?

Swimming the Distance is more than a challenge. It’s also a commitment. A collective mission altogether. A way to turn the miles you already swim into life-changing support. Because now, with a summer challenge, it’s never been easier to take part.

Sign up today and help us swim around Britain — for every breath.