In Memory of Geoff Parkin 💙

We are a team of staff from Wentworth Leisure Centre, coming together to take on a huge Lake District-themed challenge in memory of our colleague Abe’s dad, Geoff Parkin, who sadly passed away from cancer in August 2026.

Geoff was so much more than Abe’s dad. He was the person who first introduced Abe to swimming and encouraged his love of the water from a young age. That passion stayed with Abe throughout his life and ultimately played a huge part in shaping the career he has today. In many ways, Geoff is one of the reasons Abe works at the leisure pool, doing something he genuinely loves.

Swimming was a big part of their lives, and Geoff’s encouragement helped Abe discover something that would become such an important part of who he is. It feels incredibly fitting, therefore, that we are choosing to honour Geoff through a challenge that brings together swimming, cycling and running — while also celebrating somewhere he loved dearly: the Lake District.

Sadly, Geoff lost his battle with cancer in August 2026. During an incredibly difficult time, Maggie’s provided invaluable support to Abe and his family, giving them somewhere to turn for help, comfort and understanding when they needed it most.

As colleagues and friends, we wanted to do something to support Abe and his family, remember Geoff, and raise money for a charity that made such a difference to them.

So, we’re taking on the Lake District Challenge on the 14th November 2026

🏊 Swim 17km — the approximate length of Windermere

🚴 Cycle 221km — visiting all 16 lakes of the Lake District

🏃 Run 60km — taking on the 10 highest peaks in the Lake District

Together, that’s 298km of swimming, cycling and running — all inspired by a place Geoff loved.

This is going to be a huge challenge for us, but every kilometre will have a purpose. We’ll be doing it in Geoff’s memory, for Abe and his family, and to raise as much money as possible for Maggie’s so they can continue supporting other families facing the devastating impact of cancer.

If you can donate, no matter how much, it would mean an incredible amount to all of us.

Thank you for supporting our challenge and helping us remember Geoff by doing something positive in his name