Always on
This project successfully funded on 9th July 2025, you can still support them with a donation.
Leigh Ann's Swimmathon to Save our Stute
Abertillery, Blaenau Gwent, United Kingdom
Aim: Leigh Ann Young aims to swim the length of the English Channel to raise money to 'Save Abertillery Stute'
LEIGH ANN'S SWIMMATHON
"Hi my name is Leigh Ann Williams. In 2017 I slipped 3 discs in my back whilst at work and it became increasingly difficult due to my sciatic nerve being crushed by the discs. After MRI’s I was told I needed an operation and I had the procedure in 2018, I've been trying to get back on my feet since. I was in a wheelchair and used a mobility scooter and the only places I could go, was shopping or wherever was accessible for my mode of transport!
I started swimming last year, 2024, but after years of being immobile my weight was high and my fitness was low and I soon gave up, I decided to try again this year and this time I feel a lot fitter, healthier and going swimming has been helping me get back on my feet and strengthen my back like no other exercise could!
I saw the swimmathons being advertised and I thought "I can do that!"
I chose to do it for The Save our Stute appeal as I spent many years there with my Mam when it was a bingo hall. My Dad was a Miner and those men put blood sweat and tears into these buildings and in todays society that's unfortunately forgotten. We as a community need places like this, so please get behind this cause
I will be swimming 33797 metres (21 miles) the length of the channel (Dover to Calais) over the month of June. that's 1352 lengths of Abertillery Leisure Centre's pool….wish me luck!"
The Trustees say... "We, need our Institute. It is part of the fabric of our town and is held in fond regard by local people, in the Ebbw Fach valley and beyond. Leigh Ann, has kindly offered to swim for us to raise money! Money raised will go towards the match funding we need to secure funds to renovate our building. THANK YOU Leigh Ann!
The Stute will be a valued public, social space and will bring people together. a local historian has said.... "The value of the existence of the Abertillery Workmen's Welfare Institute should not be underestimated, in a time when so much of our heritage is being lost, this building encapsulates all Abertillery's industrial linked achievements, personal and team spirits which put Abertillery on the map. The institute should command respect, its story should be told in all schools and its past history should never be forgotten.
The Stute, as it's now known, should be at the forefront of all future planning, so as its legacy can carry on and provide for future generations as it did in the past." (Graham Bennett)
Thank you in advance of any support you can offer Leigh Ann. and the Trustees, we are truly grateful!