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1000th Swim for Cancer Awareness
6 Jul
Summary
- Woman completes 1,000th daily swim to raise cancer awareness.
- Fundraising efforts have generated over £65,000 for research.
- The challenge aims to improve early diagnosis of a rare cancer.
Ruth Hitchcock marked her 1,000th consecutive daily swim on Sunday, July 6, 2026, at Gyllyngvase beach. This significant milestone continues her campaign to raise awareness for neuroendocrine cancer research. She initiated her daily swimming challenge in October 2023, inspired by her husband Dave's ongoing battle with the disease.
Dave Hitchcock was first diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer in 2009. Despite an initial surgery, the cancer returned in 2021, progressing to stage four and spreading to his liver and spine. The couple is now focused on promoting earlier diagnosis, as the cancer's subtle progression often leads to delayed detection. Ruth's commitment has successfully raised more than £65,000 for research and awareness initiatives.
The daily swims, a challenging endeavor particularly during winter, have also inspired many others to participate in swimming. Neuroendocrine Cancer UK has lauded Ruth's three-year fundraising efforts, calling her commitment and the substantial amount raised 'unbelievable' while acknowledging the personal toll of her husband's diagnosis.
