What is the Swim 15km for Sarcoma UK challenge? 

The challenge is to swim 15km in 31 days and raise vital funds and awareness for the bone and soft tissue cancer charity, Sarcoma UK. Whether you’re an early bird at the pool or prefer an evening dip in the sea, this challenge is for you. 

Do I have to swim every day?

Absolutely not! This is your challenge, to test yourself, your way. You can split up and do the kilometres however you like. 

Can I start the challenge late or early? What if I miss a day?

We will be encouraging people to take part throughout October and continue for 31 days. However, you can start whenever you like. If you miss a day or need to extend your challenge you can continue into November. 

How can I keep track of the distance I am doing throughout the 31 days?

There are several free apps you can use to track your distance over the month, including the iPhone Health app, Fitbit or Strava.

We have also created a tracker for you to download, print off and tick off the days you have completed your miles. You can find it here.

Do I need to provide evidence to the charity that I have completed the challenge?

We trust that you will be honest with the distance you have completed, but we recommend sharing your progress with friends and family to encourage them to sponsor you!

Who can take part in the challenge?

You will need to be 18 years or above to register for this challenge and to set up a fundraising page. However, under 18s are more than welcome to join for the challenge accompanied by an adult. A reasonable level of fitness is required to complete 15km in 31 days, but it should be accessible to most. That said, each participant should go at their own pace.

What safety precautions should I take?

When it comes to challenges that involve water, safety is a top priority. You know yourself best and we encourage you to think about the distance you swim per session and whether it is appropriate to you and your body. For water safety guidance we strongly encourage you to take a look at the resources on Swim England’s website and also the RNLI’s water safety advice and tips.

Yes.

At Sarcoma UK, we know too well what it is like to lose a loved one to cancer – any kind of cancer – it’s why we are determined to ensure that everyone gets the best treatment, care, information and support available and to create the treatments of the future.

Cancer – all forms of cancer –  takes too many loved ones from us and has a huge impact on so many lives. We at Sarcoma UK invite you join the challenge and help ensure that more people will survive in the future.

How do I sign up?

To take part in the challenge, follow this link to register and set up your fundraising page.

Then join our private Facebook group to meet the community of people taking on the challenge with you. Join here.

I don’t have Facebook. Can I still take part?

Yes! You can take part in the challenge in other ways too. You can set up a JustGiving page instead of Facebook fundraiser and share that with your friends. There’s a Facebook Group for people taking on the challenge, but that’s optional too.

Tell us your email address so we can send you your link to get your free wristband and fundraising resources. Do it your way, and we are here to help you – online or off!

Set up your JustGiving fundraiser here.

How do I order my wristband? 

When you fill out the registration, you will automatically be sent a free Sarcoma UK wristband to the address you provided.

Please note that these are limited to one per order and everyone who would like a wristband must register first. You can register here.

How long will my wristband take to arrive?

Your wristband will take 1 to 2 weeks to arrive once you have registered.

How do I qualify for a free Sarcoma UK t-shirt? 

Every fundraiser who raises £50 or over on their fundraising page will automatically be sent a Sarcoma UK ‘Making a Difference’ t-shirt. When you register for the challenge we will ask you for your preferred size, which will be sent to the address you give on the sign up form.

How long will my t-shirt take to arrive? 

Once you reach your £50 target, please allow 1 to 2 weeks for your t-shirt to arrive.

How do I set up a Facebook Fundraiser?

It’s really easy, and takes a couple of clicks. Follow this link to register and set up a fundraiser.

How do I set up a JustGiving page?

Sign up via JustGiving here.

Is there a minimum fundraising target?

There is no minimum fundraising amount, every penny you raise will make a difference to the lives of those affected by bone and soft tissue cancer.

Can we fundraise as a group?

Yes. If you would like to fundraise as a group, then the lead fundraiser should complete the registration form and set up a fundraiser.

This page can be shared on behalf of the group. To receive your free wristbands, please then email fundraising@sarcoma.org.uk with a link to your fundraiser and all the names and emails of everyone taking part, as well as where you’d like the wristbands sent.

How do I get people to sponsor me? 

Once you have set up your fundraiser, make sure to share it on your social media channels with your friends, family, and colleagues.

Let them know how important this challenge is to you and how vital the money raised is to bone and soft tissue cancer patients and their loved ones. Check out our fundraising guide with more tips and tricks too.

I don’t want to use Facebook Fundraiser. How else can I fundraise for the challenge? 

You can fundraise offline using a sponsorship form, or you can set up a JustGiving page here.

How can someone donate who is not on Facebook? 

You could ask them to give you the donation and then to add this to your fundraising page yourself. Or just ask them to donate through our website, JustGiving or via a cheque.

Please note Sarcoma UK do not have the ability to add offline donations to Facebook fundraisers.

How do I access the shareables?

They are all saved on the shared GoogleDrive, you can then download them and share them with friends and family to let them know about the incredible challenge you are taking on in support of those affected by sarcoma.

Alternatively you can click on the links below to access some of the resources:

• Swim 15km for Sarcoma UK Facebook cover photo
• Swim 15km for Sarcoma UK Instagram image 1 and image 2
• Sarcoma UK impact shareable
• ‘Proud to be raising money for Sarcoma UK’ shareable