MORE than 7,700 lengths were swum in aid of Macmillan Cancer Research last week at Kelly College swimming pool ? over 120 miles in total, raising over £2,500 for the charity.

The event was sponsored by Butlins and on Tuesday March 18 the Butlins Redcoats helped with timekeeping and encouraging the swimmers. There was a variety of events from relays, fun events, 200 lengths (5K) and a gruelling 400 lengths (10K).

Stewart Pearce, who cycled across America last year, completed his 200 lengths (5K) in 1:48:43 and Chris Ricketts, a strong triathlete, finished in 1:46:52. The Coiley family each swam 200 lengths (5K). Dad ? Graham Coiley, finished in 1:39:35 and sons George (aged 10) 2:21:19 and Jack (aged 9) 2:22:13.

Nicola Cutts, who was the fastest in her age group in 2002, led a team through 200 lengths (5K) in a time of 1:28:15 and Jenni Henry was the captain and a team swimmer of the Kelly Allstarts, completing in 1:49:04.

Brian Wilson and Terry Dalton swam the gruelling 400 lengths (10K). Brian?s time was a tremendous 3:24:31 with Terry completing in a fantastic 3:51:09.

The Looney Lifeguards team also entered, achieving a ludicrous time of 1:33:31. In this team were Drew Ellis, Alex Hodgeson, Tim Snow, Will Turner and Richard Freedman as team captain. Luckily their lifeguarding skills were not needed!

Special congratulations go to Monica Roberts who swam 66 lengths (1 mile). A brilliant personal achievement. Many swimmers took part, all achieving fantastic results in aid of Macmillan Cancer Research.