Splash into 2025 with New Year challenge to transform lives
A unique swimming challenge is inviting swimmers to set personal goals and raise funds for a life-changing hydrotherapy pool on behalf of leading disability charity, Capability Scotland.
Article Source: Capability Scotland
Last Updated: 7 December 2024 12:37
“Swim the Distance,” led by Commonwealth Games gold medallist and Olympian Dan Wallace, challenges participants of all ages and abilities to swim 10, 20, 30, or 40 kilometres during the month of January to help raise at least £25,000.
Funds raised during the 31 day challenge will support the development of a flagship £600,000 hydrotherapy pool at Capability Scotland’s national disability hub in Perth.
The state-of-the-art facility will serve as a vital resource for disabled people, offering therapeutic benefits and opportunities for recreation and connection for people supported by the charity, as well as the wider local community.
Dan Wallace, who won gold in the 400-metre individual medley at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, was inspired to support the challenge after visiting Capability Scotland and seeing the impact of hydrotherapy first-hand.
He said: “Swimming has always been my 'happy place,' and seeing the joy it brings to the people Capability Scotland supports was truly inspiring. It reminded me why I love this sport and motivated me to get involved with this fun New Year challenge.
“This is a chance for everyone to introduce a healthy kick start to the year, experience the incredible benefits of swimming and support a facility that has the power to transform lives.”
Participants can take part individually or come together as a team to multiply their distances, with free training and support provided by Swimmr. This platform, founded by Dan Wallace, aims to offer everyone the opportunity to access lessons and tips online to improve their technique in the water during the month long challenge.
All entrants will gain access to Swimmrs Freestyle Masterclass course and join its exclusive online community, where they can share their progress, celebrate milestones, and track their fundraising impact on a national leaderboard.
Designed for swimmers of all abilities, the event combines fitness, community, and purpose, providing participants with bespoke training plans to help them achieve their targets.
Ailsa Wallace, Head of Fundraising at Capability Scotland said: “This challenge is about much more than swimming – it’s about raising vital funds to create a state-of-the-art hydrotherapy pool that will transform lives.
“The pool will provide therapeutic benefits, promote well-being, and open up new opportunities for inclusion and connection.
“With Dan’s support, we’re encouraging people across Scotland to get involved, make a difference, and be part of something truly life changing.”
Registration is now open, and the challenge officially kicks off on 1st January. Participants can sign up individually or fundraise as part of a team, with no restrictions on team size. The minimum fundraising target is £200pp, and everyone who reaches this goal will be entered into a prize draw sponsored by Swimmr.
Swimmers who meet their fundraising targets will be eligible for prizes and can celebrate their achievements through an active online community.
To join the challenge or find out more, visit: www.capability.scot
Capability Scotland is a charity delivering care, support, and education for disabled children and adults across Scotland. It has a range of facilities and services across the country which helps the people they support to achieve the best outcomes in their lives, no matter their needs.
For more information on Capability Scotland, visit: www.capability.scot
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
No tricks, just treats at Silverburn this Halloween
Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn, is the place to be for a selection of fang-tastic Halloween events this October!
READ MORE
Priscilla Queen of the Desert announces full casting including Strictly champion
The full cast have been announced for the UK and Ireland tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, including Strictly champion Kevin Clifton!
READ MORE
Sleigh bells ring early! Brand new Christmas fair at SEC announced as tickets go on sale
Deck the Halls unveils inaugural event in Glasgow in partnership with National Trust for Scotland.
READ MORE
Build up to Glasgow 2026 continues with new indoor bowling world record
Fans bowled over as celebrities and sports stars help set new record for world's largest bowls lesson as Glasgow 2026 ticket fever builds!
READ MORE
New year round Collaboration to make Outdoor Adventure accessible for All
The Yard, Foxlake and Wild Shore Dundee launch official partnership to deliver a year-round programme of inclusive activities, training, and support across three regions of Scotland.
READ MORE
The Saltires 2025 Shortlists Announced
The shortlisted titles for this year’s Saltires, Scotland’s National Book Awards, were announced at Blackwell’s bookshop in Edinburgh.
READ MORE
Casting announced for Priscilla Queen of the Desert
Kevin Clifton, Nick Hayes and Peter Duncan amongst the full cast announced who join previously announced Adèle Anderson (Fascinating Aïda) for Priscilla Queen of the Desert tour 2026.
READ MORE
KT Tunstall wins Modern Scottish Classic Award, plus SAY Award Shortlist reveal
The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has unveiled the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2025’s title and £20,000 prize, as well as five Sound of Young Scotland finalists.
READ MORE
The biggest community panto in Glasgow is back
Halo Arts is thrilled to announce the return of its annual community panto project, with this year's production of Pinocchio.
READ MORE
Celtic Connections 2026 unveils packed programme of unmissable world and roots music
Festival to set the tone for Glasgow's year of unforgettable international events!
READ MORE
Buchanan Galleries offers chances to win in the Great Gift Card Giveaway
£1,000 in Glasgow Gift Cards will be given away in the city centre shopping mall between 20th October to 2nd November.
READ MORE
The List Eat & Drink 365 guide to launch in Glasgow
A new print publication covering the eating and drinking scene in Glasgow follows the successful launch of Eat & Drink 365 Edinburgh earlier this year.
READ MORE
Tenement Trail Festival celebrates incredible 11th edition in Glasgow
Thousands of music fans descended on Glasgow's iconic East End for Scotland's festival of music discovery!
READ MORE
Major fashion retailer steps back into Silverburn
Popular footwear and sportswear retailer, Footasylum, is returning to Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn, as the latest addition to its fashion offering.
READ MORE
Scottish icons swap stage for studio in bold new printmaking project
Alan Cumming, Franz Ferdinand, The Bluebells and More Join 'Call & Response' – a bold new printmaking collaboration from Glasgow Print Studio.
READ MORE
Jo Malone London arrives at Silverburn
Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn, has announced that British fragrance house, Jo Malone London, has opened its doors today.
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Shores has got the October school holidays sorted
There's loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs, loch tours and much more!
READ MORE
Scottish Wedding Show turns up the heat as it returns to the SEC
Scotland's largest wedding showcase, The Scottish Wedding Show, returns to Glasgow this weekend, ready to welcome thousands of couples from across the country looking to plan their dream day!
READ MORE
Keela and Mountaineering Scotland launch new campaign
Keela, the Scottish outdoor clothing brand, and Mountaineering Scotland Launch ‘Within You’, an new three-month campaign, inspiring Confidence, Connection, and Adventure in the Outdoors!
READ MORE
Book Week Scotland 2025 programme announced
Scotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland, returns from 17th to 23rd November and tickets are on sale now!
READ MORE
Dobbies donates Christmas trees to local communities
Dobbies Garden Centres is lifting community spirits this season with a Christmas tree donation across the country, in partnership with Needlefresh.
READ MORE
Merry go round Celebrates National Lottery Boost for Volunteers
Glasgow charity and social enterprise Merry-go-round is celebrating after receiving £18,000 in funding from The National Lottery Community Fund.
READ MORE
SAMH takes The Nook on tour across Glasgow
A specially created preview of The Nook mental health support hub will be popping up in some of Glasgow’s most renowned locations.
READ MORE
Popular independent lifestyle brand Oliver Bonas confirmed for Silverburn
Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn, has announced it has secured popular independent fashion, jewellery and homewares retailer, Oliver Bonas.
READ MORE
Romesh Ranganathan to join Sheridan Smith in Woman in Mind at the Theatre Royal, Glasgow
Romesh Ranganathan will make his stage debut in a new production of Alan Ayckbourn's psychological comedy Woman In Mind, in a strictly limited engagement at the Theatre Royal, Glasgow.
READ MORE
Original cast of Horrible Histories take to the stage at the Theatre Royal Glasgow
The Theatre Royal, Glasgow has announced an additional performance of Horrible Histories – The Concert coming to the venue from Friday 20th – Sunday 22nd March.
READ MORE
Free Film&Screen Saturday Club launches in Glasgow for 13 to 16 year olds
Teenagers in Glasgow are being offered a chance to step behind the camera and into a studio with the launch of a brand-new Film&Screen Saturday Club that's free to join and open to 13-16 year olds.
READ MORE
Football legends lace up for 150 mile charity walk inspired by Marcus Stewart, Stephen Darby and the late Doddie Weir
Former Celtic and Scotland football heroes to join ex-player with MND on 150-mile March of The Day to raise funds to help tackle the disease.
READ MORE
First winners announced for GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards
Amy MacDonald, Hue and Cry, Nathan Evans and The Saint PHNX Band, Skipinnish, Shay O'Dowd and James Emmanuel are among the first winners to be announced for the GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards!
READ MORE
Step inside the House of Horrors at Somewhere by Nico
This October, Somewhere by Nico on Byres Road dares guests to enter The House of Horrors, a 5-course cocktail experience inspired by some of cinema's most iconic fright-fests.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links