Taking plunge to aid cancer nurses

Photo: Tim Bradley

Mark Thomson with his daughters (left) Vikki and (right) Gemma. Mark is taking part in Manchester Swim to raise money for Macmillan

A FIREFIGHTER is swapping his uniform for a wetsuit as he prepares to take on a tough open-water swim for charity.

Mark Thomson, from Royton, is taking part in the Great Manchester Swim, a one-mile open water challenge at Salford Quays on July 2, to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Mark chose the charity after his family received amazing support when his daughter Gemma was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia when she was just six.

Gemma endured two years of chemotherapy at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, with the entire family given support by Macmillan nurses throughout while Gemmabeat the disease.

The nurses were also there to support Gemma (25) and her sister Vikki (21) when they were involved in a road traffic collision on the A627M that claimed the life of their grandad Alan Smith in April 2000.

Mark (52), a youth engagement crew manager with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Our family have received fantastic support from Macmillan over the years and this is my way of giving something back to them to say thank you.

"Macmillan nurses provided both Gemma and Vikki with support, energy and the inspiration to get through a very difficult time in their lives and helped them feel like themselves again."

A keen swimmer, Mark has been busy training for the cold open-water swim at Royton and Oldham swimming pools and is also eager to practise in the Quays itself.

He said: "I'm also hoping to get my wetsuit out for a few practice runs in the chilly Salford Quays in preparation for the day - weather permitting, of course.

"I'm looking forward to the event and it'll be great having Gemma and Vikki there to cheer me on."

The course begins in Dock 9 near The Lowry, traverses Mariners Canal and finishes one mile away at Dock 8 beside Helly Hansen Watersports Centre. To donate to Mark's fundraising appeal visit www.justgiving.com/mark-thomson10.