My 80:80 Challenge – Swimming 80 Laps for My 80th Birthday

This year, I’m marking my 80th birthday in a special way. To celebrate this milestone, I’ve set myself the 80:80 Challenge, swimming 80 lengths of the pool, one for every year of my life, a total of around 1¼ miles.

I have supported Cheltenham Town Football Club since 1958, before the main stand was built and when the players changed in a wooden hut by the bowling green. The club has been a huge part of my life for over six decades and despite now living in Sandwell, I still regularly travel to Cheltenham to cheer on the Robins.

At a recent match, I learned more about the fantastic work of Cheltenham Town Community Trust and I was inspired to give something back. That’s how this challenge was born, a way to celebrate a lifetime of loyalty while supporting a cause that makes a real difference.

Why Cheltenham Town Community Trust

Cheltenham Town Community Trust is the charitable arm of Cheltenham Town FC, using the power of sport to change lives across Gloucestershire.

Their work reaches people of all ages through:

• Schools and Education – delivering PE, literacy, numeracy and health lessons.

• Health and Wellbeing – promoting mental health, healthy lifestyles and inclusion.

• Football for All – providing affordable, inclusive opportunities for children, young people, girls and those with disabilities.

• Community Engagement – bringing people together in care homes, youth centres and local communities.

Every donation will help the Trust continue these vital programmes and support thousands of people each year.

Why I’m Doing This

Turning 80 gives me the perfect opportunity to challenge myself while celebrating both the club I love and the power of sport to bring people together. You are never too old to make a difference!

I’m determined to complete all 80 laps to celebrate my big birthday, but I need your support to make this effort count. Whether you donate £8, £18 or £80, every contribution will help Cheltenham Town Community Trust continue its brilliant work in our communities.

Please give what you can and cheer me on as I take on the 80:80 Challenge – 80 laps for 80 years and a lifetime of loyalty to Cheltenham Town FC.