MediCinema Swimmers Make a Splash at Swim Serpentine
A huge congratulations to Mike and Steve, who took on the Swim Serpentine challenge this weekend in support of MediCinema, raising just over £800 between them.
Mike, who completed the two-mile swim, has volunteered at the Pop-Up MediCinema at St Thomas’ Hospital for the past three years, saw the challenge as an opportunity to generously support a cause he sees making a difference every day.
It's a massive privilege being able to help other people have their own cinema experiences. Over the years I've been able to play a small part in giving people their first ever cinema experiences, their first time getting off the hospital ward for a few weeks, or just a night with their family watching a classic film or a new release. I couldn't think of a more worthy cause to fundraise for.
![get_sub_field('image')['alt']](https://www.medicinema.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/20260919_1722141-768x1024.jpg)
Despite not having swum properly for around 15 years, Mike threw himself into training, gradually building up his distance each week in preparation for the swim but readily admitted that he was “looking forward to hanging up his goggles” after Saturday’s challenge.
Meanwhile, Steve, who took on the six-mile swim, was initially inspired by the challenge itself.
I am not a massive fan of swimming and decided I need to learn to love it! Finding MediCinema gave me extra motivation to shake the pockets of my friends, family and work colleagues to assist MediCinema in continuing to do their amazing work.
Preparing for such a long open water swim was no small feat, especially while adjusting to life as a new dad.
"The biggest challenge has been fitting it in alongside becoming a new Dad. Exciting times, but it's led to some early mornings and late nights!"
Looking back on training, Steve’s favourite memory came during a swim on the south coast alongside his dog who he admitted was the better swimmer of the two of them!
![get_sub_field('image')['alt']](https://www.medicinema.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/IMG_2072-768x1024.jpeg)
Thank You from MediCinema
I am so impressed by both Mike and Steve taking on their swim, with both distances being huge challenges! It was incredible getting to watch them swim around the Serpentine for MediCinema and cheering them on along with the all the swans and geese. Well done both and thank you!
Kristy Brown, Fundraising Coordinator
We’re incredibly grateful to Mike and Steve for their dedication, determination and support with every stroke helping to bring the magic of cinema to patients and families in hospitals across the UK.
Congratulations to both swimmers on an outstanding achievement!
Inspired to take on your own challenge for MediCinema? Email fundraising@medicinema.org.uk today.
