Ken’s BIG Swim Makes a Splash at Acresfield in Memory of Fylde Coast Legend
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On Sunday 19th October, Acresfield played host to Ken’s BIG Swim, a heartfelt community event held in memory of Fylde Coast swimming legend Ken Weigh, who recently passed away just shy of his 94th birthday.
Ken’s impact on local sport was extraordinary. He captained the greatest-ever Blackpool Water Polo side in 1953, served as Blackpool’s Ambassador to the 1952 Helsinki Olympic Games, and broke multiple European Masters swimming records. An exhibition celebrating his remarkable achievements is now on display at the Showtime Museum in Blackpool.
Swim teacher Luke Helmn—who once taught a young Sophie Ward—brought a group of current pupils, including several SEN swimmers, to take part in two hour-long relay sessions. Some children even completed their 1500-metre award during the event. Together, the swimmers raised almost £1,300 (including Gift Aid) for Fleetwood Town Community Trust, supporting a range of community outreach programmes from cancer rehabilitation to disability sports and wider wellbeing initiatives across Wyre.
After completing their challenges, each child received both a certificate and a very special medal—one of the original medals won by Ken Weigh during his 21 Blackpool Swimming Club Championship victories. These treasured pieces of local sporting history were presented by members of Ken’s family, who attended the event and shared in the celebration.
Alongside events like Ken’s BIG Swim, Fleetwood Town FC Community Trust has continued to expand its community partnerships. One key collaboration has been with Ron’s Run, working together to deliver STEP programmes across Wyre primary schools to support pupils’ physical and mental wellbeing.
The partnership also extended into the recent half-term sports camps, where children were challenged to complete both the STEP programme activities and a one-mile challenge. In return, participants were encouraged to donate a tin of food to support Ron’s Run and its links with local food pantries—helping families across the community while promoting fitness and social responsibility among young people.