3 March 2008
Team Lord Mayor dive in for City Dip
Swimmers from across London joined
in the City of London’s annual charity swim, City Dip, at the
Golden Lane Leisure Centre on Friday (29 February) and
Saturday (1 March) to raise money for the Lord Mayor's
Appeal.
The Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alderman David Lewis, was
on hand to support the swimmers and start the Dip by swimming more
than 20 laps last Friday morning. The Lord Mayor‘s ten-strong team
also included Sheriff Ian Luder, Sheriff Michael Bear and staff
from Mansion House as well as those from the Lord Mayor’s
Appeal. Each of them swam up to 20 lengths for two very
deserving causes – Orbis (the flying eye hospital charity) and
Wellbeing of Women (the women's health charity).
Sheriff Michael Bear surprised the
crowd by turning up in an Edwardian swimming costume and a
straw hat.
The Lord Mayor said: "When I woke up this morning I worried that
the strong wind might have blown away the enthusiasm of our
swimmers. But you all have proved me wrong.
“I would like to thank all the swimmers and sponsors who have
dipped in water and their pockets to raise money for Orbis and
Wellbeing of Women. They both do excellent work.”
City Dip, which continued on Saturday 1 March, is organised
by the City of London’s Sports Development team. This year, the
event hosted 55 teams - from City schools to Livery companies and
City businesses teams. Teams take an average of two and a half
hours to complete the swim.
Last year’s City Dip raised a fantastic £26,000 and over
£100,000 has been raised over the past five years.
Ends
Press contact
Press enquiries to Loretta Lui at the City of London on 020 7332
1528 or
loretta.lui@cityoflondon.gov.uk