Ivy Took on the River Mersey Challenge

We were incredibly proud of our swimmer Ivy, who took on an amazing swimming challenge to raise money and awareness for The Haemophilia Society.

Sport and exercise have so many physical and mental health benefits, and we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy being active, regardless of their circumstances. For people living with bleeding disorders such as haemophilia, taking part in sport can sometimes feel like a challenge in itself, particularly because of misconceptions and a lack of understanding surrounding the condition.

Ivy has Haemophilia A, a genetic condition which affects several members of her family. Swimming has been really beneficial for Ivy, having such a positive impact on her strength, joints and muscles. Her family wanted to find a positive way to celebrate her achievements while also helping to break down some of the barriers and misconceptions surrounding bleeding disorders.

That’s where this fantastic challenge came in!

Swimming the River Mersey

On Tuesday 15th September, Ivy and her friends took on a sponsored swim at Calderstones School, with the aim of swimming the equivalent length of the River Mersey, around 1.2km, from Liverpool’s Pier Head towards the Wirral.

Twelve swimmers took part in the challenge, with the target of reaching 60 lengths in a space of just 30 minutes.

But Ivy and her friends didn’t just meet their target; they absolutely smashed it! Together, the swimmers completed an incredible 246 lengths, covering a phenomenal 4.92km (just over 3 miles) in total.

Their determination, teamwork and enthusiasm were truly amazing to see. What started as a challenge to swim 1.2km turned into almost five times the original distance, making the evening an incredible achievement for Ivy, her friends and everyone who supported them.

It was a brilliant display of community spirit, showing what swimmers can achieve when they support one another, embrace a challenge and work together for a cause that truly matters.

We couldn’t be prouder of every swimmer who took part. Their hard work and commitment helped make the challenge such a fantastic success and, most importantly, helped raise valuable funds and awareness for The Haemophilia Society.

 

Supporting The Haemophilia Society

The Haemophilia Society is the only UK-wide charity supporting everyone with a bleeding disorder. Around one in 2,000 people in the UK have a diagnosed bleeding disorder.

Through information, events and advocacy, the charity helps individuals and families understand and manage their conditions, while working to break down barriers and improve lives.

The Society has been hugely important to Ivy and her family, helping them to understand Haemophilia A in greater depth, feel more positive about Ivy’s diagnosis and, importantly, challenge the barriers that can sometimes surround living with a bleeding disorder.

The money raised through Ivy’s challenge will help the Society continue its vital work supporting people and families across the UK.

Ivy raised an incredible £1,595 for The Haemophilia Society, well above her original fundraising goal of £800! This was an amazing achievement, and we were so grateful to everyone who supported Ivy along the way.

 

Go Ivy!

We were so proud of Ivy for taking on this challenge and using her love of swimming to make a difference.

A huge well done to Ivy and all of her friends who took part. Their determination, enthusiasm, and support made the challenge a truly special event.

Thank you to everyone who has donated and helped Ivy raise an incredible amount for The Haemophilia Society. Every donation made a difference and helped support the charity’s important work.

Well done, Ivy! We are all so proud of you!