Gillian’s Saltire Appeal are once again holding a sponsored swim from Cumbrae to Largs and preparations are well underway for this year’s event which will take place on Saturday 17th September.

The event started 11 years ago with a small group of nine swimmers and has now grown so much that last year there were 100 entrants.

Registration takes place at Largs Sailing Club and thanks to the support of McGill’s coaches and Calmac Ferries Ltd the participants are transported to Cumbrae to swim the 1.7miles back, under the close supervision of safety boats and support kayakers.

This event is free to enter and the sponsorship money raised goes to Gillian’s Saltire Appeal. This local charity provides respite accommodation in Largs, to cancer sufferers, their families and carers. To take part you must pre-register by 9th September and entry forms can be downloaded at www.gillianssaltireappeal.org.uk

If you are interested in volunteering at the event, especially to provide kayak support please email the event organiser, Morag Love ( moraglove@msn.com)

If you don’t feel up to swimming or kayaking then why not come along and cheer the swimmers on. The first swimmers will be due at back at Largs Sailing Club slipway at Largs Yacht Haven at approx. 1.30pm., on Saturday 17 September.

Clips from previous swims can be viewed on You Tube by searching “ Gillian Saltire Clyde Swim”