Inspiring teen completes epic Charity swim in time for Christmas

An inspiring teen is set to complete an epic challenge of swimming 40 miles in 11 weeks to raise money for The Children’s Hospital Charity. The Charity supports Sheffield Children’s, where Rose, 13, receives treatment for her chronic lung condition.

Rose was born 11 weeks prematurely on 7 October 2011. The day after she was born, her lung collapsed, and throughout her first year of life, she was in and out of hospital with respiratory problems and bronchiolitis. Rose received care under the Respiratory Team at Sheffield Children’s, and in 2013 was diagnosed with Bronchomalacia. Bronchomalacia is a condition where there is softening of the cartilage within the walls of your airways, making it more difficult for air to move in and out as you breathe. This has caused Rose to have lots of chest infections throughout her life, with regular stays at Sheffield Children’s when she’s been unwell. In 2021, Rose even spent Christmas day in hospital recovering from sepsis.

Rose’s Dad, Ian, said: “The team at the hospital do everything they can to help it feel festive and special when you’re in at Christmas. Rose has taken part in workshops, met celebrities, been in videos, and been so well looked after, as she always is.”

To give back for the excellent care she’s received, Rose wanted to think of an exciting fundraising challenge to help raise funds for The Children’s Hospital Charity; and swimming was an obvious choice! Already a keen swimmer, Rose uses exercise to help manage her condition and is currently on the training cycle as a trialist to represent Team GB at the 2026 Underwater Hockey World Championships.

With the support of her mum, Anna, Rose designed a bespoke swimming challenge around her story – starting on her 13th birthday (7 October), Rose would aim to swim 45-miles (the distance from home to where she was born) over 11 weeks (the number of weeks premature she was born). This meant she would complete her challenge on 18 December – just in time for Christmas!

Rose was incredibly dedicated throughout her challenge but suffered from three chest infections that led to her needing treatment at Sheffield Children’s over the 11 weeks. During her most recent stay on Thursday 12th December, on advice from her Doctors, Rose made the difficult decision to reduce her challenge to 40 miles.

Rose has been incredibly determined throughout her challenge, visiting her local pool at Stocksbridge Leisure Centre every day that she can, often in the early hours before school. The Leisure Centre have supported Rose every step of the way – even providing her with a lane just for her on Saturday mornings to help her reach her goal. The pool granted Rose access out of hours for her last swim, providing really special moments for her final lengths.

So far Rose has already raised over £900 to change lives at Sheffield Children’s.

Anna said: “We’ve always felt really listened to at Sheffield Children’s. The follow-on care they provide is brilliant, and the Respiratory Team have provided her with excellent support. It’s always struck me how they speak to Rose directly, and they put her at the heart of everything they’re doing.”

This Christmas, The Children’s Hospital Charity’s festive campaign helps bring music and art to patients and families through the Charity’s arts programme, Art+. These workshops include music recording, decoration making, theatre, and even breakdancing Santas, and offer a much-needed respite for those in hospital over the festive period.

In 2023 Rose took part in one of the festive music sessions, wishing everyone a merry Christmas. This year, her fundraising will help other children just like her.

Support Rose’s epic swimming challenge here.

To find out more about how to support Sheffield Children’s this Christmas click here.