Event run by
Rowan Evans
06 Nov 2026
Rowan's Crazy Coldwater Swimming Challenge
19959
Hi, my name is Rowan and I'm a Shropshire girl born and bred,
I've been a nurse for 25 years and it's through work that I met my inspiration for this challenge.
Eric Lucas was a 101 year old World War Two veteran. He was one of the few survivors who landed on the Normandy beaches in June 1944. It's with great sadness that I talk about Eric in the past tense but on the 26th August this year Eric passed away peacefully with his beautiful family by his side. Right up to his very last day, Eric graced everyone with his charm and wit, inspiring us all with his stories and wisdom.
Eric was very humble and matter of fact when he recalled memories of the day he ran up Sword Beach. It is harrowing to think of the horrors he must have seen and the trauma he went through.
It's because of Eric and all those involved in the D-Day landings, that gave me the courage and inspiration to accept this challenge. To honour those who fought valiantly for our country. My aim is to swim off the coast of each of the D-Day landing beaches for 11 minutes each, consecutively in one day.
This will take place on Friday 6th November 2026, entering the water with a temperature of 13 degrees and the weather being a balmy 11 degrees. Altogether this will take just over 6 hours to complete.
As a true Salopian and advocate of agriculture, I want to raise funds for two local charities.
Firstly, Shropshire Rural Support has been serving the farming and rural communities in Shropshire for the past 35 years. They support people face to face as well as over the phone on matters from paperwork to bereavement and mental health.
In addition, Lingen Davies Cancer Fund Shrewsbury is an independent charity dedicated to enhancing cancer services and supporting patients across Shropshire.
They fund ongoing advancements for The Lingen Davies Cancer Centre at The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, which houses outpatient clinics, a chemotherapy day centre and radiotherapy facilities.
I am very excited to kickstart this challenge in honour of Eric and the D-Day Landing soldiers while simultaneously supporting these worthy causes that are dear to my heart and our community.
Any donations would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for following my journey.
I've been a nurse for 25 years and it's through work that I met my inspiration for this challenge.
Eric Lucas was a 101 year old World War Two veteran. He was one of the few survivors who landed on the Normandy beaches in June 1944. It's with great sadness that I talk about Eric in the past tense but on the 26th August this year Eric passed away peacefully with his beautiful family by his side. Right up to his very last day, Eric graced everyone with his charm and wit, inspiring us all with his stories and wisdom.
Eric was very humble and matter of fact when he recalled memories of the day he ran up Sword Beach. It is harrowing to think of the horrors he must have seen and the trauma he went through.
It's because of Eric and all those involved in the D-Day landings, that gave me the courage and inspiration to accept this challenge. To honour those who fought valiantly for our country. My aim is to swim off the coast of each of the D-Day landing beaches for 11 minutes each, consecutively in one day.
This will take place on Friday 6th November 2026, entering the water with a temperature of 13 degrees and the weather being a balmy 11 degrees. Altogether this will take just over 6 hours to complete.
As a true Salopian and advocate of agriculture, I want to raise funds for two local charities.
Firstly, Shropshire Rural Support has been serving the farming and rural communities in Shropshire for the past 35 years. They support people face to face as well as over the phone on matters from paperwork to bereavement and mental health.
In addition, Lingen Davies Cancer Fund Shrewsbury is an independent charity dedicated to enhancing cancer services and supporting patients across Shropshire.
They fund ongoing advancements for The Lingen Davies Cancer Centre at The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, which houses outpatient clinics, a chemotherapy day centre and radiotherapy facilities.
I am very excited to kickstart this challenge in honour of Eric and the D-Day Landing soldiers while simultaneously supporting these worthy causes that are dear to my heart and our community.
Any donations would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for following my journey.
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Summary
Total Raised
£3,810.08
Gift Aid
+£733.75
