Oppio Lounge Assistant Manager Takes on Swimming Challenge for Local Children’s Hospice
Altrincham, UK – Nick Jamieson-Jones, assistant manager at Oppio Lounge, is diving headfirst into a new challenge to raise funds for Francis House Children’s Hospice. The 36-year-old former professional dancer will be swimming the equivalent distance of the English Channel at his local gym in Altrincham.
Starting on June 1, Nick will swim 45 laps of the 25-meter pool every day for 30 days, covering a total of 21 miles – the narrowest point of the English Channel. This initiative is part of ‘LoungeAid,’ an annual fundraising event organized by Lounge all-day café bar sites across the UK. Nick aims to raise £1,000 for the hospice through this challenge.
“I wanted to do something big to support Francis House and their amazing work in our community,” said Nick. “I have been a regular at the gym since 2019 and had never used the pool until I saw the Swim 21 challenge on the noticeboard. It was the perfect opportunity to combine my passion for swimming with my full-time job.”
To prepare for the challenge, Nick has been swimming two or three times a week before or after work. He has also been using his waterproof headphones to listen to his playlist of more than 800 songs while swimming at a leisurely pace.
Nick’s inspiration to support Francis House came after he visited the hospice on an open day. “I was amazed by the warm and welcoming atmosphere at Francis House,” he said. “It’s truly a home away from home for the families they support. I want to do all I can to help them continue providing their services.”
James Ferguson, Fundraising Assistant at Francis House, expressed his gratitude for Nick’s fundraising efforts. “Swimming the equivalent of the English Channel is no easy feat, and we are incredibly grateful for Nick’s support,” said James. “It’s heartwarming to see the local community coming together to support our mission of providing care for children and young adults with life-limiting conditions.”
As the local community manager, Nick’s role at Oppio Lounge is to involve the community in charity events. To raise funds for Francis House, there are notice boards at the bar with links to Nick’s JustGiving page, and there will be games to play in-house.
Oppio Lounge, located on George Street, opened in April 2023 at the former site of Bistrot Pierre. Nick describes it as a tight-knit community with regular customers. “Our customers can come to Oppio Lounge to work, read, meet friends, or enjoy cocktails with their kids,” he said. “It’s a welcoming space where people can feel at home.”
Although Nick has no desire to swim the English Channel for real, with a lifelong phobia of fish, he is determined to complete his challenge in the pool. “I am terrified of the sea and fishes,” he admitted. “That’s why I chose to swim in a pool. I don’t even eat fish. For me, the beach is the worst thing ever. I don’t think I could survive on a cruise ship either!”
To support Nick in his challenge and make a donation to Francis House, visit his JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/page/nicholas-jamieson-jones-1712618587493
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