Steve’s Challenge: The Great North Swim for Treetops

After moving to Derby in 2021, retired police officer Steve Morran decided he wanted to give something back to his new community. He set his sights on supporting his local hospice, Treetops, by taking on a challenge that would push him both physically and mentally.

The idea came from his friend Julie at the Mickleover golf club, who was already planning to take part in the two-mile Great North Swim.

The Coventry Building Society Great North Swim brings thousands of swimmers together each year for a weekend of open‑water swimming, community spirit and the stunning scenery of the Lake District at Brockhole on Windermere.

When asked why he chose to support Treetops Hospice, Steve shared his personal motivation: “When I lost my dad in 2020, we all saw him die in hospital – and whilst they were great, when I saw my mum’s face and how difficult it all was, I thought, ‘there must be better than this’.

“When I found out about what Treetops does, it was perfect. It fits everything I think death should be, and allows people to die peacefully in the comfort of their own homes.”

With his charity chosen, Steve began training.

“I genuinely hadn’t properly exercised in years or swum in years, for that matter. I thought, okay, I just need to swim two miles, that’s not a big drama. But when I started training and actually tried to swim it, I realised just how far it was going to be.”

Two miles in a regular 25-metre pool equates to 129 lengths – a fact that came as a bit of a shock to Steve in those early sessions.

“I went into my local pool in Mickleover, got to 30 lengths and thought, uh oh, this is a bit longer than I anticipated!”

Despite the challenge, Steve stayed motivated, knowing that every pound raised would make a meaningful difference to Treetops and the families it supports across southern and central Derbyshire.

When the big day arrived on Friday 13 June 2025, the conditions were far from ideal. The night before had brought torrential rain, flooded roads, lightning and powerful winds. Steve and Julie began to worry that the event might not go ahead.

As they made their way to the water on the day, they met a swimmer returning from her attempt. She had signed up for the 10K distance and told them: “I was supposed to be doing the 10K, but it’s so rough out there, I could only manage a mile.”

Steve recalled: “I was suddenly thinking – this person has trained for six miles, and I have two ahead of me. I don’t know if I can physically do this.”

Amazingly, despite the extremely choppy conditions, Steve completed his full two‑mile swim and was thrilled to raise over £700 for Treetops.

This impressive amount could fund more than six nights of our Hospice at Home care for a family, or provide vital bereavement support and Wellbeing services.

To find out more and get involved in an event for Treetops, visit our events page: Events and Challenges – Treetops Hospice