Could you swim the length of the TT course? That is the challenge set down by the Western Swimming Pool, which is raising much-needed funds for St John Ambulance Isle of Man’s Community First Responders. The challenge is launched on 16th January and participants have 12 weeks to swim 37.75 miles – that’s 2,416 lengths of the pool in Derby Road, Peel. The ?10 entry fee will go to the Community First Responders, highly trained first aiders who are despatched by the Isle of Man Ambulance and Paramedic Service to go to the aid of people who take ill in rural areas, often arriving before an emergency crew and tending to the patient until help arrives. Swimmers can undertake the challenge alone or in teams and can, if they wish, raise funds for their own preferred charities as well. The TT Swim Challenge is the idea of Krysy Howard, who is a lifeguard at the pool and trained to be a Community First Responder following the most recent recruitment drive, held in November and December. Krysy said: ‘If you sign up to the challenge, it’s quite a commitment as you’ll need to complete around 200 lengths of the pool each week. ‘Everyone will receive a booklet to record their miles in and we will also have a sheet at the pool which will be stamped with participants’ progress. ‘It’s just ?2.50 per session to swim if you are doing the challenge instead of the usual ?3.50 and everyone who completes it will receive a medal and a certificate.’ To register or find out more information, contact the pool on 842525. For further information about St John Ambulance Isle of Man or to find out how to sign up for first aid courses, volunteer or support its work via donations, please ring 01624 674387 or visit www.sja.org.uk/sja/counties/isle-of-man.aspx - Ends -