Headway – the brain injury association has announced it is partnering with the Arla Great North Swim on the UK’s biggest open water swimming event for neurodiversity.
The Arla Great North Swim, held at Windermere Lake, the Lake District, will see hundreds of swimmers raising funds for their chosen charities from 13 to 15 June, 2025.
Headway, which supports people who have been affected by brain injuries as well as their loved ones, at every stage of their journey, explains that this year, the event is introducing The Quiet Wave; a half a mile introductory swim for keen fundraisers with neurodiverse conditions.
Headway event manager, Holly Howey, said: “This is a unique partnership which will see Headway and Arla Great North Swim offering brain injury survivors and those who require extra support an essential dedicated period in which to take part.”
“A brain injury survivor can experience a huge range of debilitating symptoms; attending bright, noisy, crowded events is often not possible as they can exacerbate these symptoms, contributing to feelings of isolation and exclusion.
“Being able to participate in The Quiet Wave changes that; it will enable survivors to enjoy all the event has to offer, free from additional stress and anxiety”.
Head of marketing, Arla Great North Swim, Alice Peyredieu, said: “The Arla Great North Swim is a weekend-long celebration of open water swimming.
“It’s open to all – which means people of all abilities, experiences, and neurodiverse conditions.
“Normally there’s over 300 people in a wave, plus supporters, music, and cheering – which is of course fantastic. But for some people with neuro issues, this can be off-putting.
“The Quiet Wave is open to all swimmers who want to get in the water in a quieter environment. We won’t have any music playing, a low-level PA and a reduced capacity so swimmers can get in the water with plenty of space around them.
“We think of it more as an open water adventure than a race.”
Headway has confirmed it is looking to put together a team of 10 swimmers to raise money and awareness for Headway’s vital work. They will join Eden Harlow, 25, Nottingham from the Headway Fundraising team for The Quiet Wave.
Harlow said: “This is a brilliant opportunity for swimmers of all abilities to come together to support Headway and raise awareness of the effects of brain injury.
“It’s a welcoming and healthy space and I’m so excited to lead Headway’s first ever Great North Swim team.”
The Quiet Wave will be held on 15 June at 2pm.
