A Nottingham swimming club has received a donation of £1,000, after being affected by the pandemic.

Falcon Amateur Swimming Club received the funds from the Persimmon Homes Community Champions scheme, which will help to address the club’s monthly budget shortfall. 

Operating within the current Swim England guidelines, the club has been required to limit its membership numbers and had swimmers not returning after the lockdown, as well as the not been able to carry out its usual fundraising events, as Louise Bennison explains.

She said: “The pandemic has had a devasting effect on the club and we have found ourselves in a very difficult position regarding the club’s future.

“Persimmon Homes’ donation will not only help cover our monthly budget shortfall but also enable us to promote our classes to new members.

“The Falcon Swimming Club has been in existence for more than 60 years and, as we slowly return to normality, our focus is on rebuilding the club both by welcoming back members and introducing new swimmers.”

Each of the 31 Persimmon Homes regional businesses make two donations of up to £1,000 every month to grassroots groups and charities across the region.

Neil Follows, managing director of Persimmon Homes Nottingham, said: “Swimming is such an important life skill for all ages. We are delighted to be able to support the amazing work and dedication of the Falcon Amateur Swimming Club.” 

In addition to the Persimmon Homes Community Champions scheme, the housebuilder has launched its Building Futures initiative which supports groups working with under-18s. The scheme will make grants to projects across education & arts, health and sport, with the potential of a £100,000 prize giveaway.

Applications for the Persimmon Homes Community Champions or Building Futures schemes can be made at www.persimmonhomes.com/charity