Grimsby clergyman swims 2,740 lengths in memory of sister

The Reverend John Boardman completed his challenge at Cleethorpes Leisure Centre

A clergyman has completed a 42 miles (68km) charity swim in memory of his sister.

Julie Wilson, a teacher at Beverley High School in East Yorkshire, died from a glioblastoma - a type of brain tumour - in January 2020.

The Reverend John Boardman, from Grimsby, swam 2,740 lengths at Cleethorpes Leisure Centre.

The 68-year-old chose the distance because it costs £2,740 to fund a day of research into brain tumours.

Julie Wilson, a teacher at Beverley High School, died in 2020.

Mr Boardman said his sister was told the tumour was inoperable two years prior to her death.

He said: “When she was diagnosed, it was devastating. Tumours are indiscriminate and affect people of any age.

"Julie had chemotherapy, but it was really hard for her. She had a fantastic spirit though, and a really caring and supportive family around her."

On Thursday, Mr Boardman completed the final 36 lengths of his challenge, swimming part of it in a pink T-shirt provided by Brain Tumour Research, the charity he was supporting.

He said: "I thought of Julie, who was a loving and wonderful woman, as I went up and down the pool."

According to Brain Tumour Research, 16,000 people are diagnosed with the condition in the UK each year and only 12% of patients live beyond five years of their diagnosis.

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