A Sheffield brother and sister duo are diving into a Swimathon fundraising challenge in memory of their beloved grandma.
Isaac Birch, 14, and his sister Alannah, 11, who both attend Wath Academy, will each swim 5km at Maltby Leisure Centre in November, completing an impressive 10km between them in aid of St John’s Hospice.
The siblings are raising funds to say thank you for the love and care provided by all the staff to their grandma, Lucy Ann Birch, known as Ann, who lived in Conisbrough, and passed away on 16 September 2026 after spending five weeks at the hospice.
Mum and dad, Anita and Lee said:
“We were so grateful to everyone at St John’s Hospice for the wonderful care given to our mum and for allowing us, our sister Julie and brother-in-law Michael, to spend such precious family time with her.
“Her care was their utmost priority; she wanted for nothing during her time with them. They also showed care and support to the children and our family.”
She added:
“Isaac and Alannah are both keen swimmers and wanted to do something special to show their appreciation for everything the hospice did for their grandma and the family as a whole.”
The pair are no strangers to the pool. Both have been swimming at Maltby Leisure Centre since they were five and are regulars at the Saturday morning sessions.
Isaac also gives back by volunteering for an hour and a half each week to help coach younger swimmers, so there should be plenty of familiar faces cheering them on.
Anita said:
“A huge thank you to Debbie and all the team at Maltby Leisure Centre for letting us use the pool and for getting behind Isaac and Alannah’s challenge.”
Hospice Fundraising Manager Jenny Baynham added:
“We’re incredibly grateful to Isaac and Alannah for taking on such an amazing challenge.
“Everyone at St John’s Hospice is wishing them the very best of luck!”
Isaac and Alannah have already smashed their £300 fundraising target on JustGiving and are now hoping to raise as much as possible for St John’s Hospice. Anyone wishing to support their charity challenge can sponsor them.
Published: October 30, 2026