THE impact of Covid-19 and the consequent lockdown and restrictions has had an impact on everybody's lives.

For some the bug has brought tragedy and despair through the death of loved ones while for others the impact has been about livelihoods, wellbeing and the pressures of isolation and loss of community.

Among those worst hit have been sporting groups and local organisations which bring people together in their communities.

Typical of them is Thurrock Swimming club – which has not only had its sense of togetherness sorely tested, the financial implications have been huge.

In a bid to combat the latter, the club has launched a fundraising drive via crowdfunding and has set a target to raise £10,000. Once the club has raised 25 per cent of that it can apply for Sport England 'Active Together' Match Funding of up to 50 per cent.

So the club is hoping members, their families and the wider Thurrock community will be able to pitch in and help.

A statement from the club says: "Our crowdfunding appeal is to secure additional funds to ensure that we can return to training once the government gives us the green light to do so, but also continue to support our swimmers and parents through these unprecedented times.

"Thurrock Swimming Club (TSC) has continued to support its 500 strong memberships by providing them with online training and educational presentations. This has been so important with maintaining and developing the swimmers physical and mental wellbeing.

"Since March 2020, TSC has lost in excess of £30,000. This has been due to not been able to run any swimming galas, no training fees and ongoing expenditure. The club would like to raise £10,000 to help it continue to provide ongoing support to its members through the pandemic and help towards training fees.

"TSC was formed in 1963. It is one of the most successful clubs in Essex and the East Region and boasts 500 members ranging from Learn to Swim up to National Squad level swimmers."

The club has stressed the close links it has with the wider Thurrock community, saying: "TSC's fully inclusive policy has resulted in many of its swimmers competing internationally and we have had a lot of success with disability.

"We have swimmers with disabilities training in all sections of the club, and we are also in discussion with some of Thurrock's social care departments to increase our disability section. We are also looking to encourage more young carers into swimming, providing them with additional skills and new opportunities.

"We at TSC also believe that we have a duty to encourage young swimmers to develop their skills further and become qualified teachers and coaches. We implement a robust training programme and help many swimmers become qualified Swim England teachers and coaches for the club.

"We are the only registered community based swimming club in Thurrock. We operate a fully inclusive programme open to all swimmers. Our Learn to Swim (LTS) programme follows Swim England's LTS pathway and we help teach and develop each child to the best of their abilities.

"As well has having a LTS base, Thurrock SC boasts a robust Academy and Squad systems which helps prepare swimmers for competitions. TSC currently boasts in excess of 60 county and 35 regional swimmers plus many swimmers who have participated at National level.

"We are also very proud of our swimmers who have been selected for county, regional and national training camps.

"TSC is made up of not only many swimmers and parents, but also a huge volunteer base. Our volunteers give up so much of their spare time to help the Club operate and function. We also have highly skilled and dedicated teachers and coaches who continue to help develop each child provide high quality lessons."

If you would like to help the club reach its target, you can make a donation via this link.