Find out how five Deaf women are supporting Deaf swimmers as a group called the ‘Deaf Otters’

The Deaf Otters are five profoundly deaf ladies, aged between 43 to 51, who enjoy Open Water Swimming. Open Water Swimming is very different to swimming in the pool; there is no end to the pool, just fresh water and the sense of freedom, swimming in nature.

UK Sport have just announced that no financial support is being given to Deaf sports this year. As a result, we five Deaf ladies have decided to use an upcoming event to fundraise for Deaf athletics, with our efforts being particularly focused on supporting Great Britain Deaf Swimming.

 

The event is at Coniston Water, in the Lake District, and it’s the ultimate swim challenge – 5.25 miles! There are only a few days to the big day, which is this Saturday, 5th September, and we have been training hard.

Since we don’t live near to each other, some of us train with local swimming clubs, some of us train individually. However we do meet up at least once a month at an Open Water Event to keep each other motivated and share tips.

 

The most important people of all are our fabulous donators. Their donations keep us motivated to continue with our training. We still need £3,000 to achieve our mission for GB Deaf Swimming Team.

We have a ‘Just Giving’ page which you can find here: http://www.justgiving.com/owner-email/pleasesponsor/FiveDeafOtters

So, who are the Deaf Otters?

Eileen Murphy is an ex-competitive swimmer and competed in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Jill Wherry was also a competitive swimmer in her youth and now does swimming as part of her Triathlon training.

Wendy Scott does Triathlons as well.

Sue Brown & Jane Newman enjoy swimming.

We all did Open Water in 2011 without realising we entered the same event till later and in 2012 we entered together. Since then, there’s been no turning back!

So please give us your support!