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

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

Cast Announced for Flora, a new musical coming to The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow

The full cast has been revealed for Flora which sees one of Scotland's most famous daughters, Flora MacDonald, take centre stage to tell her own tale!

Christmas in Edinburgh and Glasgow: Celebrate the festive season with Candlelight Concerts

Featuring classic Christmas carols, this live, multi-sensory musical experience will light up St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral and Merchants House and The Trades Hall for an unforgettable evening.

Innis & Gunn to open the biggest festive beer hall in Glasgow at Winter Wonderland on The Green

Glasgow is getting its largest-ever Christmas beer hall, and it’s all down to award-winning brewer Innis & Gunn.

Find a festive backdrop in Glasgow and the West

From frosty gardens to cosy tearooms, National Trust for Scotland places in Glasgow and the West are offering a host of winter experiences and special events this festive season.

Glaswegians invited to Panto Town as Glasgow 850 finishes with festive flourish

Glaswegians are being urged to embrace the unique spirit of the city's pantomimes with the launch of Get You in Panto Town!

Buchanan Galleries celebrates the season of giving with festive family fun

The magic of Christmas has arrived at Buchanan Galleries, with a heartwarming line-up of festive activities taking place throughout November and December.

Scottish Ballet creates a brand new wee version of the big ballet

Scottish Ballet's Wee Nutcracker is coming to Glasgow's Tramway this December. The beloved festive ballet, The Nutcracker, has been specially adapted for wee ones aged 5+ and their families!

The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz: New adult panto brings comedy to Scotland in January

January needn't be a drag as Scotland's brand-new adult panto, The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz, hits the road, arriving just when the country needs a burst of joy!

Matthew Kelly and George Costigan lead new production of Waiting for Godot at the Citz

Matthew Kelly and George Costigan star as Estragon and Vladimir in a new production of Waiting for Godot, co-produced with Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse and Octagon Theatre Bolton.

Hoolie in the Hydro opens doors to young Gaels for Glasgow 850

More than 1,300 Glasgow schoolchildren are being given the opportunity to access live music as part of a special tie-up between Hoolie in the Hydro and Glasgow 850.

ASN sessions to be held at Winter Wonderland Glasgow Green

Dedicated ASN sessions are to be hosted at Glasgow's Winter Wonderland at Glasgow Green to enable families in need of support to have a festive day out.

77th Glasgow (Disabled) Scouts awarded with highest honour given to volunteer led groups

The 77th Glasgow (Disabled) Scouts has been recognised with The King's Award for Voluntary Service 2025, the highest honour for volunteer-led groups in the UK.

Topgolf celebrating 25 years of fun with a week of deals and prizes

Topgolf's journey started in Watford at the turn of the millennium and has since grown into a global enterprise with more than 100 venues worldwide.

The Doddie Weir match ball delivery is voted Greatest Murrayfield Moment

Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.

Glasgow Fort unwraps festive celebrations

Christmas magic is set to return to Glasgow Fort on Thursday 20th November as the centre unveils its seasonal line-up!

Global fashion brand Stradivarius opens first Glasgow store at Silverburn

Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn, opens Glasgow's first-ever Stradivarius store, further elevating its fashion offering.

Boney M ft Maizie and Newton Faulkner join Fun For Life Fest lineup

Boney M featuring Maizie Williams are set to co-headline the Fun For Life Fest on Saturday 16 May 2026, with Newton Faulkner also joining the line up.

Trafalgar Entertainment becomes official sponsor of Box Office Radio

Global live entertainment company – Trafalgar Entertainment – has become the official sponsor of Box Office Radio.

New book launches in Busby by local author, Marissa McCudden

Debut author, Marissa McCudden, has launched her new book, 'There's Lots of Different Types of Clever' with illustrator, Michael Spy on Amazon.

Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026

The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.

Medea to tour Scotland in 2026

Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).

The Ivy Buchanan Street unveils festive set menu for 2025

From traditional Turkey Ballotine to a tangy Tamarind Beetroot & Endive Salad the festive set menu brings the best of festive flavours, reimagined by The Ivy across two or three courses.

Glasgow will shine bright this Christmas with a new city centre lighting trail

Glasgow's Christmas lights are a much-loved tradition, and this year they will shine brighter than ever with a brand-new Christmas lighting trail set to illuminate the city centre from 20 November!

KOCHCHI expands to Glasgow, bringing Sri Lankan heat to the West End

The West End will welcome KOCHCHI, the award-winning Sri Lankan street food brand, as it opens its first standalone restaurant in the former The Hanoi Bike Shop on Ruthven Lane.

Imagine Theatre prepares for an exciting season of pantomimes across Scotland

Imagine Theatre proudly presents a spectacular lineup of family pantomimes across Scotland bursting with laughter, music, sparkle, and dance starring some of Scotland's best-loved entertainers!

Marti Pellow stars as Scrooge in a major new musical production coming to Glasgow in 2026

The pop prince and former frontman of Wet Wet Wet realises his life-long dream of bringing the iconic Christmas Carol character to life on a major stage!

Behind the Beans: Cast of Pavilion Panto, Jock and the Beanstalk, visit the oldest sweet shop in Glasgow

The cast of much-anticipated Pavilion panto Jock & the Beanstalk were spotted out and about at the Barras this afternoon, with a visit to Glickman's to sample their famous jelly beans!

Step into the magic at Dobbies Garden Centres

Dobbies Garden Centres has a fantastic line up of Santa’s Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences, with an exciting North Pole adventure inspired theme, running from 23rd November - 24th December.

Tesla Cybertruck lands at Silverburn... come and see the future

Glasgow EV enthusiasts are in for a treat this week as the famous Tesla Cybertruck has arrived at Silverburn, Scotland’s leading retail and leisure destination.