Wild Water Swim for Charity
On Friday 27th of June 2025, Cllr Dr Julie Bradshaw MBE took part in an open water swim alongside Richard Spence, CEO of the Carpenters Arms, at Six Hills Melton Mowbray
The Carpenters arms is a charity which focuses on rehabilitating Men battling addiction across its numerous locations, one of which is also based at Six Hills.
The company supports its members as they readjust back to day-to-day life after a struggle with addiction.
Furthermore, with support of external companies, the carpenters’ arms helps its members with re-employment and housing. The charity is also one of the two charities chosen by the current Mayor of Charnwood, Cllr David Northage, to be his charity of the year meaning any funds raised during his year in office will be donated to the Carpenters’ Arms.
During Cllr Dr Julie Bradshaw’s time in office as Mayor of Charnwood she built a close relationship with the Carpenter’s Arms.
Before the pair plunged into the open water at Six Hills, Cllr Dr Julie Bradshaw took part in a Q&A, with Richard Spence, to discuss what connects physical performance with the positive attitude needed during the recovery from addictions, as well as the benefits of physical activity which can help recovery.
For example, Cllr Dr Julie Bradshaw revealed her own experiences with how sports and physical activity helped her feel a sense of belonging within the community, and how she believes that sports can help those battling addiction once again find their place within the community.
Moreover, Dr Julie Bradshaw discussed how setting positive, realistic and achievable goals largely benefitted her in terms of achieving things within open water swimming, and how this is also applicable to people facing addiction.
Finally, the Q&A looked at how sports can be a huge benefit for many in the process of recovery, due to positive mindset which must be upheld, but also the release of endorphins that provides your body with a natural high.
Jamie Gethins
A level Student at Bradgate Sixth Form, Syston
