mmg.com.au

The 19th running of the 100-lap challenge at Tatura Swimming Pool on Saturday, February 23 was a huge success according to organisers, with more than $6000 raised for Tatura Hospital and Parkvilla Aged Care Facility.

A warm morning and clear skies greeted the 55 swimmers and supporters, who rallied to support the event.

Among the nine individuals who tackled the 100 laps was local luminary John Ryan, who was making a comeback to the event after several years.

JR, or Poppy to his smallest supporters, was subject to constant rubbishing after entering the event but proved his detractors wrong by completing the 100 laps in 65 minutes and will have great pleasure in collecting the pledges of support.

Other individuals were regulars Barry Semmens, Trevor Anselmi, Colin Magnay and John Stewart, who travelled from Ararat to participate. Aaron Semmens, Leigh Gregory, Estelle and Hayley Jennings joined this year to complete 100 laps each.

The other 46 swimmers, aged from six to 78, made up teams which completed the 100 laps.

The veterans team was John Stewart (Mooroopna), Ian Tavener, David Vibert and Peter McCamish.

There was a large contingent of young swimmers as there were many family teams.

They were Lisa, Simon, Fiona and Liam Cowan; Gayle Forster, Timothy and Nicolas Runciman-Forster; Damien, Sacha, Peter, Imogen and Gretl Finlayson; Jill Clapperton, Greg , Elizabeth and Moara Smith; Ian, Jeanette, Gillian, Fiona, Joseph, Lydia and Esther Moorhouse; Richard, Brett, Evan and Sophie Graves; and David, Tom and Mark Schier.

Alison Christopher entered a team of young squad swimmers — Lewis Walker, Rachele Perry, Brandon Wilson, Hayley Wilson, Baye Christopher, Travis Perry and Leanne Houkes-Wilson.

A team falling between the kids and almost veterans and comprising of Geoff Lipshut, Tim Gubbins, Gary Whyte and Brian Carr, rounded out the day.

Mr Lipshut said the Tatura Hospital Ladies Auxiliary once again provided a delicious morning tea and welcome hot coffee for all the swimmers and supporters.

He said swimmers received certificates from the hospital and vouchers from Glenda and Geoff Alexander of Tatura Hot Bread.

Mr Lipshut said sponsorship pledges were still being collected; he confirmed the event to date had raised $6000.

‘‘The funds from this year’s event will be used to renovate the Parkvilla front garden to improve the amenity for the residents,’’ he said.

The Tatura Hospital Committee thanked Mr Lipshut (event convener), Laura and staff at Dawes and Vary, Jayne and Sue at the hospital, and all the swimmers, sponsors, supporters and helpers who organised the day, once again making it a successful and most enjoyable fundraiser on the hospital’s calendar.

Mr Lipshut said the annual event highlighted the importance of two of Tatura’s major assets, Tatura Hospital and Parkvilla, and Tatura Swimming Pool, with the community’s willingness to continue to support both.

‘‘The challenge will be on again on February 22, 2014,’’ he said.