Swimming for Richard, Swimming for Hearts
Back for their fourth year at the Arla Great North Swim, ‘Team Ginge', a group of 12 devoted family members and friends living all over the country will take to Lake Windermere, swimming in memory of a remarkable man: Richard.
Richard's story is nothing short of extraordinary. At just 18, he suffered a severe stroke and life-threatening heart failure caused by a viral infection. With only days to live, he became the 26th person to undergo a heart transplant at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle in 1987. Doctors gave him just 5 to 7 years life expectancy and was told he'd never walk again. He defied them all - regaining mobility through intensive physiotherapy he went on to study IT, became a qualified water sports instructor, taught sailing and powerboating and went back to a role in IT at the Open University. From climbing the O2 and land yachting, to flying a Boeing 737 in a simulator and cycling for charity, Richard truly lived life to the full - right up until his passing 34 vibrant years later.
For his wife Wendy, from Bedfordshire, swimming became a lifeline. “Open water swimming has helped my mental health more than I can say - it stopped me from needing antidepressants. Being outdoors, in nature, has been so healing.”
Team Ginge now swims each year for the British Heart Foundation, honouring Richard's legacy and raising vital funds. So far, they've raised over £9,000 and still counting.
Though scattered across the country, the team trains in lakes from Windermere to Derbyshire and stays connected through a lively WhatsApp group. “We do our own thing but always keep each other going,” says Anna, Richard's sister and Team Ginge member.
For Team Ginge, every swim is a celebration of Richard's extraordinary life - and a chance to help others live theirs. Their message to anyone thinking of taking on the Great North Swim? “Do it! It's friendly, safe, and incredibly well organised - a perfect challenge, especially for first-timers.”
The Great North Swim will be back from Friday 12 to Sunday 14 June 2026 and Super Earlybird entries are open. Sign up for next year here to get our lowest entry price.