Luke dives in to charity challenge

Luke with his children.

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A CHADDERTON dad is getting ready to take the plunge to raise money for the hospital that saved his son’s life.

On Sunday, Luke Vaughan will swim two miles across Lake Windermere in Cumbria in aid of ward 84, the regional centre for the treatment of childhood cancer at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

Luke and his wife, Kim, spent months at the hospital after their son, Alex (10), was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 2013, two weeks before his seventh birthday.

As soon as Alex — a pupil at Christ Church Primary School in Chadderton — was on the mend, Luke wanted to do something to thank the hospital for everything it had done for his son.

Last summer, Luke completed the Great Manchester Swim raising almost £500, but this year he decided to go further by swimming two miles in England’s largest lake.

He said: “The Great Manchester Swim was good fun but I feel like I have to go bigger and better every year. I like to push myself to the limit. However, hard I train and push myself, it’s nothing compared to what these children go through on a daily basis, without a choice.

“I’ve been training at Uswim Salford Quays and can now do the full two miles.

“If it wasn’t for the tireless efforts of the doctors and nurses at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Alex wouldn’t be here today.

“We spent weeks at a time on ward 84 and witnessed, first hand, what a difference charitable donations make, ranging from new toys, personalised gifts, Easter eggs, Christmas presents and so on, the list goes on.

“Alex was just one boy on one ward, the hospital sees over 220,000 patients each year so please help make every child’s stay a little easier.”

The Great North Swim is Europe’s biggest open water swimming event with around 10,000 participants. Over three days, participants of all abilities can complete a range of distances.

Hannah Thomas, events manager for the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “We’re thrilled that Luke is going one further this year and is taking the plunge in Lake Windermere for ward 84.

“The funds raised means that we can provide additional resources that make life a little easier for patients and their families on the ward.

“We all wish Luke the best of luck, we’re sure his dedication and training will pay off.”

To sponsor Luke visit www.justgiving.com/Luke-Vaughan2.