Swimming 5km Open-Water: Zen Centre Retreat Fundraiser

What am I doing?

On September 14th, I'm doing a massive open-water, 5km swim across Loch Morlich, Scotland. This "5K for 3K" is me aiming to take on a big challenge of swimming 5000m, to raise £3000 for the Cloud Water Zen Centre! For context, that’s equivalent to doing over 200 swimming pool lengths, non-stop, in freezing cold water, for over 2 hours!

Fair to say, I've never done anything so challenging!

What is the fundraiser?

The Cloud Water Zen Centre, a non-profit Zen Buddhist centre, has been offering meditation and Zen practice in a small space in Glasgow City Centre for several years. They’ve fundraising tirelessly for a countryside retreat centre near Glasgow. So far, they’ve very successfully raised almost the entire £100,000 goal—hence this swim aims to raise enough to push them towards the final line!

What is Zen Practice?

In challenging times—whether due to mental health, stress, or disconnection—Zen practice offers a chance find space for ourselves so we can respond more skilfully to the very real difficulties that we face.

Why a retreat centre?

Going on retreat allows us an even greater opportunity to step back and gain renewed energy and a fresh perspective. However, in Scotland options are limited and expensive.

This non-profit retreat centre will provide wider access to meditation and Zen practice, including regular retreats and residential living. It will also offer low-cost rental space for other groups like Yoga, Tai Chi, and Mindfulness. So, it will be one of the first places in Scotland to offer affordable access to retreats and like-minded activities.

How can you help?

You can support me and project by donating here! With the swim less than a week away, and almost halfway towards the goal, all donations are greatly appreciated towards reaching the goal!

Overall, this retreat centre stands to have a significant impact on the lives and mental wellbeing of people in Scotland. I really wouldn't consider taking a step in these cold waters for so long if I didn't believe it stands to provide such great value!

*Note: If you are a UK taxpayer, you can tick the boxes at the bottom of the donations page to allow the Zen Centre to claim GiftAid on your donation. This is a huge help and provides an extra 25% on top of your donation at no expense to you.

Updates to follow

I will be sharing regular training and updates on my Instagram - so keep an eye out there @im_oscart. And spreading the word is a great help too with anyone who's interested!

With the swim less than 2 weeks away, your support makes a huge difference! Thank you so much - more evidence to follow!

Links and further info:

• More about the Zen Centre: https://cloudwaterzen.org/

• Retreat Centre Project: https://cloudwaterzen.org/retreat-centre-project/

• Instagram for updates: https://www.instagram.com/im_oscart/

• Recent Glasgow Times Article on the Zen Centre: https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/scottish-news/24362391.zen-buddhism-centre-glasgow-changing-lives/

• Swimming Event: https://go-swim.uk/