Hundreds of Somerset babies set to swim to raise money for charity

Children and babies will be expected to swim in fancy dress costumes

Author: Rory GannonPublished 4th Jun 2025

Hundreds of babies and toddlers in Somerset are set to take on a number of swimming challenges to raise money for charity.

The children are to be taking part in the "Splashathon" - running throughout June, hoping to raise funds for the Children's Alliance, as well as the Tommy's charity.

Young children will take on a number of swimming challenges in different forms of fancy dress - including pirate costumes and sea creatures.

The initiative will be held in pools across Somerset including Holly Farm, Fiveways School and Wyvern Academy.

It's part of a nationwide initiative to gather 37,000 babies across the UK to help raise £650,000 for the two charity causes.

The Tommy's charity helps to support parents who have been bereaved due to miscarriages, stillbirths and premature birth.

As well as this, the Children's Alliance helps to fund key projects to ensure every child has access to water - a fundamental right.

Speaking on the initiative, CEO of Tommy's, Kath Abrahams, said: "Splashathon is a fabulous way for children to have fun in support of a vital cause.

"We’re grateful to every family taking part and everyone who’s working hard to make it happen at swimming pools around the UK."

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.