Yes, you can choose your swim day and time from the options provided on the entry form. The event features waves of swimmers throughout the weekend.
Please check the Great North Swim website for the full timetable.
Participants must be 16 years or over on the day of the event to enter the 1 mile distance. Shorter distances are available for lower age limits (250m, 1/2 mile).
Wetsuit use is optional for water temperatures of 15C or above. Swimmers choosing not to wear a wetsuit MUST use an approved high visibility tow float, swimmers wearing wetsuits can also choose to swim with a tow float.
If you’d prefer not to commit to a set fundraising target, you can book your place directly through the event organiser. Once you’ve secured your spot, you’re very welcome to join Team Christie and request your fundraising pack - we’ll support you with ideas and materials to help you raise what you can.
We completely understand that fundraising can feel daunting and we’re here to help you every step of the way. If you’re struggling, please get in touch! We’ll share tried-and-tested tips, ideas, and resources to help you boost your total.
We won’t ask you to cover any fundraising shortfall or remove you from the event. However, because each charity place comes at a cost to The Christie Charity, we do ask participants to actively engage in fundraising. If there’s no evidence of fundraising activity, our events team will be in touch to offer guidance and discuss whether a charity place is the right option for you.
Every charity place represents a vital investment for The Christie Charity. Setting a fundraising target ensures we can continue to fund world-leading cancer care, research, and patient support.
Of course, the fundraising target of £150 per person will still apply, but you’re very welcome to combine your efforts towards one shared team total.
If you’re using JustGiving, your donations come straight to us automatically - you won't need to do anything!
If you’ve collected sponsorship offline, please send it to us as soon as you can, and ideally within 4 weeks of swim day. We’ll include full details in your fundraising pack on how to pay in your money.
