Midland Ont. senior takes splash into 80th birthday with 80-length swim

One local senior is diving into her 80th birthday in quite a remarkable way — by swimming 80 lengths of the Midland YMCA pool.

This initiative is in support of Therapeutic Paws of Canada, a registered charity offering free therapy pet visitations.

According to the charity, it relies on the dedication of over 500 volunteers nationwide, who contribute more than 100,000 hours annually to bring comfort to hospitals, seniors’ homes, long-term care facilities, and schools.

For Crump, her connection to the group is deeply personal. She’s been with the program since 2004, first with her previous pup Gabe and now with her current dog Hoagy, a six-year-old black and white purebred Cocker Spaniel.

Crump, an avid swimmer, faces an additional challenge during her daily swims. After a shoulder injury five years ago and a hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, she has been working to regain her strength.

The team says it takes her roughly an hour and thirty minutes to do 70 lengths of training in the local pool. “The pool opens at 6:15 a.m. depending on what time I arrive, I swim until 10 a.m. and don’t really count the lengths,” shared the soon to be birthday girl.

On Friday, a crowd of family is expected to support and celebrate her big day by driving in from different parts of the region; London, Caledon and Kingston Ont.

To join her during this ambitious effort, three representatives will be present at the pool to count her lengths.

To contribute to Crump’s Jan., 17 swimming fundraiser, people can send an e-transfer or special message to [e-mail].