Swimathon Charities 2027

Each year we select a number of local charities to be beneficiaries of the funds raised at the RotaryMK Swimathon.

Meet the 2027 charities

Camphill Milton Keynes

Camphill is a community of more than 70 adults with learning disabilities and autism, based predominantly in Willen Park and Pennyland.

They engage in meaningful activities through their on-site theatre, bakery, weavery, pottery, vegetarian café and other workshops.

With high demand for supported independent living for more people, Camphill MK has started a multi-million-pound building programme to expand its accommodation.

Funds raised through the Swimathon will be used to continue to improve and upgrade facilities within Camphill’s existing accommodation.

DAFS - Drug and Alcohol family Support

DAFS is a caring, not-for-profit charity created for families who are affected by a loved one’s addiction.

The group is run by volunteers, all of whom have lived the experience of coping with an addicted loved one.

It provides free regular local face-to-face meetings in a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment so that people have an opportunity to be heard and to share experiences, fears and HOPE, connecting with others who are going through the same trauma.

Safety Centre - Hazard Alley

The Safety Centre Hazard Alley, based in Kiln Farm, has been providing fun and immersive life-saving safety education for over 30 years.

The funds raised from Swimathon 2026 will be key to keeping the safety scenario’s future focused.

Supporting the charity’s continuing ambition to engage with 20,000 children, young people and adults on the themes of water, road, gas, railways and online safety, knife crime interventions and violence against women and girls.

MK Food Bank

MK Food Bank supports thousands of people every year by providing food, practical support and hope to people facing hardship.

As well as offering emergency food, they run affordable Top Up Shops that help people stretch their budgets and maintain stability.

They also have an advice service called Beyond Food, which helps people tackle the causes of financial hardship.

Funds raised through the Swimathon will be used to support these direct services, ensuring
individuals and families across Milton Keynes can access essential food and
support when they need it most.

Sea Cadets Milton Keynes

This local Sea Cadets and Marine Cadets charity gives young people the chance to learn new skills, build confidence, and take part in exciting activities on and off the water.

From sailing, rowing, and paddlesports to adventure training and leadership development, cadets gain experiences that last a lifetime.

Funds raised through the Swimathon will help to maintain the charity’s equipment, support training opportunities, and ensure more young people in Milton Keynes can benefit from everything MK Sea and Royal Marine Cadets has to offer.

Willen Hospice

Willen Hospice provides free expert care and support for local people with a life-limiting illness and their loved ones.

Most patients are cared for in their own home, enabling them to live well until they die, for however long that may be.

The hospice’s community team, Willen at Home, is the only service of its kind in Milton Keynes, but it receives no NHS funding and is entirely funded by charitable donations.

Rotary Swimathon fundraising will help pay for this vital service, which costs £1.4 million each year to run.

UnityMK

UnityMK is a local charity supporting people facing or experiencing homelessness across Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas.

They provide practical help, emergency accommodation, advice and a safe place to turn to, and are
creating a new Support Centre in Wolverton to expand their vital work.

Funds raised through the Swimathon will help to complete the Frontline Welfare Office and stairwell access - essential works needed to bring the new centre to life and enable the charity to continue its vital work.

If you'd like to volunteer to fundraise and swim for any of these wonderful local charities, be sure to contact them to see if they have a space.

Swimathon Team Guidance

Past Swimathons