Accountant takes the plunge to achieve swimming success

A Rossendale accountant is riding on the crest of a wave after completing a challenging open water swim.

Steven Greenwood, a partner at Cassons business advisers in Rossendale, decided to take part in the Great North Swim after being set a challenge by his son and daughter on Christmas Day.

But a skiing accident put paid to his training programme, leaving him just weeks to get fit in time to take part in the event at Windermere.

Steven says: “My son Adam is involved with organising the Great North Swim and suggested I take part.

“Initially I thought ‘no way’, but my daughter Sarah had signed up, so she cajoled me into it. And when my nephew David decided to take part as well it became a real family affair.

“We decided to raise funds for Pendleside Hospice because of the fantastic support they give to the local community. We wanted to help support them to continue what they do.

“Unfortunately I cracked two ribs during a skiing trip in January, which meant I was out of action for two months, so getting fit in time for the race was a real challenge.”

Gradually building up his stamina, Steven was able to achieve his sixty-length goal with just a week to go. With just ten weeks to prepare for the event, Steven took to the pool at Crow Wood Leisure in Burnley, a client of Cassons.

“I could only swim twenty lengths the first time I got into the pool and I knew I needed to be able to do sixty to be fit enough to complete the challenge.

"A couple of practice sessions at Salford Quays in the week leading up to the swim proved tough but gave me the confidence to take to the water at Windermere.

“I was really surprised, I honestly didn’t expect to complete the course in under an hour” says Steven. And as for doing it all again? Steven admits he’d be tempted: “The swim has been a great way to build up strength and stamina and it’d be great to maintain that level of fitness – I just need to find the right goal!”