Gibraltar Armed Forces community completes 24-hour Swimathon for SSAFA.

21 August 2025

Teams from across Gibraltar’s Armed Forces community took part in a 24-hour Swimathon in support of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity. 

From 12:00 on 19 August to 12:00 on 20 August 2025, 79 swimmers from the Army, Royal Navy, RAF, Royal Gibraltar Regiment, LEC/UKBC and their families took to the water at Helm Point Pool, a long-standing MOD community facility in the Four Corners area of Gibraltar.

Together, they completed 9,036 laps of the pool, covering 225,900 metres. That is the equivalent of swimming around the Rock 18 times or crossing the English Channel five times. 

Swimmers of all abilities joined in, from those completing a single length to others testing their stamina across the full event. The Swimathon closed with a community barbecue, where swimmers and supporters celebrated their achievement together. 

Alan Jones, Chair of SSAFA’s Gibraltar branch, said: “We left the Swimathon humbled and inspired by the commitment of our Armed Forces community – it was a true demonstration of what community spirit means on the Rock.

“Our heartfelt thanks go especially to Petty Officer Gemma Ellis for leading this initiative, and to every swimmer who took part. The funds raised will go directly towards supporting serving personnel, veterans and their families here in Gibraltar.”