LIST YOUR EVENT FOR FREE

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.

Splash into 2025 with New Year challenge to transform lives

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

Paisley First
The Quay
Pace Youth Theatre
One Ren
East Renfrewshire Culture

Latest Renfrewshire News

itison founder calls for action to help children who will have nothing this winter

itison founder calls for action to help children who will have nothing this winter

Founder of Scottish business, itison, Oli Norman, has spoken out about the 'devastating' level of poverty in Scotland this festive season.

READ MORE
Splash into 2025 with New Year challenge to transform lives

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.

READ MORE
Coffeeshop Tinderbox celebrates first anniversary at Braehead Shopping Centre with Golden Cup Giveaway

Coffeeshop Tinderbox celebrates first anniversary at Braehead Shopping Centre with Golden Cup Giveaway

This Sunday, 8th December, sees the first anniversary of Tinderbox coffee shop at Braehead Shopping Centre, located in lower level food mall.

READ MORE
Cold water reset retreats with Sophie Hellyer debut at Marine Troon

Cold water reset retreats with Sophie Hellyer debut at Marine Troon

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts launches new series - 'Adventure weekends with Marine & Lawn'.

READ MORE
Double charity boost from Glasgow Clan

Double charity boost from Glasgow Clan

Ice hockey fans will get the chance to do their bit to help the less well-off by donating food items and toys at Glasgow Clan games this weekend.

READ MORE
Winners announced in Provost Christmas Card Competition

Winners announced in Provost Christmas Card Competition

Three lucky Renfrewshire school children have had their artwork selected to be made into Christmas cards through the Provost’s Christmas Card competition.

READ MORE
Crowds take to Paisley High Street to Reclaim the Night

Crowds take to Paisley High Street to Reclaim the Night

Hundreds of women and men took to the streets of Paisley to call for an end to violence against women and girls.

READ MORE
Enjoy the best of Belfast at Christmas with Stena Line

Enjoy the best of Belfast at Christmas with Stena Line

A beautiful city with a rich history and a giant adventure to be found around every corner, there is no shortage of incredible festive experiences to enjoy in Belfast.

READ MORE
Scottish artist Jasleen Kaur wins Turner Prize 2024

Scottish artist Jasleen Kaur wins Turner Prize 2024

Jasleen Kaur, whose exhibition Alter Altar at Tramway uses a vintage Ford Escort, worship bells and Irn-Bru to celebrate the Scottish Sikh community, has won this year's Turner Prize.

READ MORE
TRNSMT reveals superstar first acts for Glasgow Green 2025

TRNSMT reveals superstar first acts for Glasgow Green 2025

50 Cent, Biffy Clyro, Snow Patrol, The Script, Fontaines D.C. and Gracie Abrams are included among the much-anticipated first wave of artists announced for Scotland's biggest music event.

READ MORE
Johnstone lights up for Christmas 2024

Johnstone lights up for Christmas 2024

Crowds turned out in Johnstone's Houstoun Square on Saturday to see the town’s Christmas lights switched on for 2024.

READ MORE
Winners of the Paisley First Best Dressed Christmas Window Competition are announced

Winners of the Paisley First Best Dressed Christmas Window Competition are announced

The results are in for this year's Paisley's Best Dressed Christmas Window Competition!

READ MORE
Christmas in Paisley gets underway with a sleigh load of family fun on offer this winter

Christmas in Paisley gets underway with a sleigh load of family fun on offer this winter

The countdown to Christmas is on as Paisley's ice-rink and funfair opened their doors last night to kick off a month-long programme of festive activity taking place across the town centre.

READ MORE
Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!

Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!

A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, children's rides, stalls, street food and a packed live entertainment schedule makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out!

READ MORE
Brewer gives away free pints to celebrate mockumentary launch

Brewer gives away free pints to celebrate mockumentary launch

Scottish brewer Innis & Gunn lifts the lid on the beer industry with a mockumentary starring real employees and comedians Paul Dockery and Katie McKenzie.

READ MORE
Christmas tree season arrives at Dobbies

Christmas tree season arrives at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is marking the official start of the 2024 festive season with its delivery of 50,000 real Christmas trees, available at stores across the UK now.

READ MORE
Glasgow music festival The Reeling announces extended 2025 dates and performances from Dougie Maclean, Eddi Reader and Valtos

Glasgow music festival The Reeling announces extended 2025 dates and performances from Dougie Maclean, Eddi Reader and Valtos

A popular trad music festival is set to return in 2025 – and it's adding an extra night due to demand!

READ MORE
Final date added as 30,000 expected at biggest itison Drive In Movies Christmas

Final date added as 30,000 expected at biggest itison Drive In Movies Christmas

itison Drive In Movies Christmas adds final date after unprecedented demand with tickets for Elf & Love Actually on sale on Wednesday 27th November at 7.30am.

READ MORE
Pension Credit drop in event to check eligibility being held in Paisley

Pension Credit drop in event to check eligibility being held in Paisley

People aged 66 and older are being encouraged to pop along to an event in Paisley to find out if they can get Pension Credit.

READ MORE
Clan fans rally to the charity cause

Clan fans rally to the charity cause

The Glasgow Clan's Purple Army of fans raised more than £11,000 for the charity that promotes awareness and opportunities to participate in ice sports.

READ MORE
Revolutionary swim teaching tool launches in Scotland

Revolutionary swim teaching tool launches in Scotland

A pioneering visual teaching tool has launched across Scotland, making swimming lessons more accessible to everyone.

READ MORE
Festive favourites back on the big screen at Vue in Scotland

Festive favourites back on the big screen at Vue in Scotland

To mark the countdown to Christmas, some of the most loved holiday classics are being brought back to the big screen at Vue venues in Scotland this festive season.

READ MORE
Asda Foundation supports lonely over 60s this Christmas

Asda Foundation supports lonely over 60s this Christmas

Asda and Asda Foundation pledges almost £1 million to help combat loneliness and isolation in the older generation this festive period through its 'Don't be Gnome Alone this Christmas' campaign.

READ MORE
IKEA Christmas tree offer launching in Scotland this month

IKEA Christmas tree offer launching in Scotland this month

IKEA is giving shoppers a £20 voucher for every real tree purchased for £29 in its Scottish stores from 23rd November – with pre-orders available now.

READ MORE
Aldi Scotland is set to sell the cheapest real Christmas trees this festive season

Aldi Scotland is set to sell the cheapest real Christmas trees this festive season

Aldi Scotland announces the return of its freshly cut Nordmann Fir trees, with prices starting from just £13.99.

READ MORE
Communities to Reclaim The Night as part of annual campaign

Communities to Reclaim The Night as part of annual campaign

Renfrewshire residents are being encouraged to join the annual march to end domestic abuse, harassment and violence against women and young people.

READ MORE
Renfrew and Johnstone to light up for Christmas

Renfrew and Johnstone to light up for Christmas

Renfrew and Johnstone will officially mark the start of the festive season as the Christmas lights in each town are due to be switched on in the coming weeks.

READ MORE
Scottish stars Skerryvore launch biggest show to date for 20th anniversary

Scottish stars Skerryvore launch biggest show to date for 20th anniversary

Legendary Scottish band Skerryvore have today unveiled plans to stage a special one-off concert – their biggest to date – to mark their 20th anniversary.

READ MORE
Scottish pubs to help tackle loneliness this Christmas

Scottish pubs to help tackle loneliness this Christmas

17 pubs across Scotland are calling on their customers to help spread a little Christmas cheer by writing cards to people facing loneliness and isolation this Christmas.

READ MORE
Music lovers have a lot to look forward to at Vue venues across Scotland

Music lovers have a lot to look forward to at Vue venues across Scotland

Music lovers have a lot to look forward to at Vue venues in Scotland – including a very special Andrea Bocelli screening this weekend.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Renfrewshire Council
Open Pass Scotland
ATG
Kids Pass
Parkdean
Rabbies

Sponsored Links

Paisley First
The Quay
Pace Youth Theatre
One Ren
East Renfrewshire Culture
Renfrewshire Council
Open Pass Scotland
ATG
Kids Pass
Parkdean
Rabbies

Popular Events

Christmas Carol Service
Join Renfrew Christian Fellowship for an evening of celebration and joy singing Christmas Carols on Tuesday 17th December!
Dark Sky Viewing Nights
Take a closer look at Renfrewshire's stunning night sky at a series of Dark Sky Viewing Nights led by Led by John Pressly, Science Curator at One Ren's Paisley Museum, and the Countryside Rangers!
Dunedin Consort: Through The Night With Henry Purcell
From beautiful love songs to infectious dances, this intimate concert by Dunedin Consort at Beacon Arts Centre will take you on a tour of Henry Purcell's catalogue of hits!
Braehead Santa’s Grotto
Santa is back at Braehead Shopping Centre and he will be meeting children at his free Christmas Grotto in partnership with Cash for Kids!
Alastair Savage and Friends, Scots Fiddle Old and New
Alastair Savage is joined by a select group of outstanding performers from the folk music world to celebrate the Scots fiddle tradition in the beautiful surroundings of Paisley Abbey!

Popular Listings

Beacon Arts Centre Braehead Arena Johnstone Town Hall Old Swan Inn Paisley Paisley Abbey Paisley Arts Centre Paisley Town Hall Robertson Park Renfrew The Bungalow Paisley Venue Paisley