Glasgow boy takes on 5km swim in memory of great-aunt who lost cancer battle
A schoolboy who lost his great-aunt to cancer has completed a 5km swimming challenge in her memory.
Kieran Gollan, 12, raised more than £1,000 for Marie Curie after swimming non-stop for 200 lengths in two hours and forty minutes. Inspired by his swimming teacher David Walker, and Olympic athlete Duncan Scott, the youngster took on the challenge due to the "exceptional" care the end-of-life charity provided to his great-aunt in July last year, before she sadly passed away.
His mum Fiona said: "I’m incredibly proud of what Kieran has achieved. This challenge meant so much to us all, because of the brilliant care Marie Curie gave to my aunt, who had been battling cancer for some time. Kieran wanted to give back and this was his way of showing his appreciation.
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"Seeing his determination to take on such a tough challenge at such a young age is nothing short of inspiring.
"Kieran’s teacher David Walker has been an incredible inspiration for him. His infectious enthusiasm and genuine passion for swimming have made all the difference. It wasn’t until Kieran started lessons with David that his love for swimming truly blossomed.
"David went above and beyond, constantly encouraging Kieran. He nominated Kieran for Swimmer of the Month in June 2023 which gave him the opportunity to meet Duncan Scott, which was another incredible source of inspiration for him."
Kieran took on his challenge at the Leisuredrome in Bishopbriggs, operated by East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture, one of 38 leisure trusts and aquatic providers delivering the Learn to Swim National Framework in over 165 pools across Scotland.
He had previously completed Learn to Swim lessons, a national framework delivered in partnership by Scottish Water and Scottish Swimming.
David Walker, Swimming Development Officer at East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture said: "Kieran initially told me about his plan to swim 100 lengths which was already impressive. But he then came back to me and said that he had decided to double it to 200. This is no easy task and it truly showed his determination and self-motivation.
"It’s rare to see a child his age with such endurance and motivation, especially for someone who’s not in a swimming club. What Kieran achieved is truly remarkable.
"As a teacher, you hope to inspire your pupils, but it’s amazing to see the impact and to watch him turn that inspiration into action. Being there on the day of the challenge is a moment I’ll never forget."
Kieran had the chance to meet Duncan - who was recently awarded an OBE in the New Years's Honours list - after being named Swimmer of the Month at the Leisuredrome in September 2023.
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Olympic Gold medallist Duncan Scott said: "Kieran’s story is truly inspiring, completing 200-lengths at 12-years-old is an incredible achievement. I want to congratulate Kieran on completing this challenge, with the way his swimming is progressing, I’m confident we’ll be hearing his name again in the future.
"Swimming is such a vital skill and stories like this highlight the importance of the Learn to Swim Framework in developing confidence in young people across Scotland."
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