A WOMAN from Poole is set to take on a sea swim challenge in memory of her father – alongside thousands of other fundraisers.

Broadstone resident Clare Troke, 39, will swim 1.4 miles in open sea to raise money for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) as part of this year’s Bournemouth Pier to Pier Swim.

She has been motivated to take part after her father, Peter Hodgson, died from heart and lung related conditions in July 2019, at the age of 74.

Peter was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) and atrial fibrillation – a condition that causes the heart to beat abnormally.

Clare said: “When Dad went into hospital, we didn’t expect it would be the last time. Dad had atrial fibrillation for over 30 years, and because of the COPD he had been in-and-out of hospital many times. We always assumed he would be coming out.

“Then we got the call from the hospital to say that they were making him comfortable as there was nothing more they could do.

“My sister and I rushed to be with Dad. The situation did not feel real, even when we were sat with the doctors who were explaining the situation. Two days later Dad passed away.”

Now, almost two years to the day since her father died, Clare will take to the water to raise funds for the BHF.

The event, which is marking its 30th anniversary this year, will see a total of 4,000 people swim the 1.4 miles from Bournemouth Pier to Boscombe Pier over the weekend of July 3 and July 4.

Clare, who works as a mental health support worker, said: “It’s going to be an emotional day. We have just had Father’s Day and the anniversary of Dad’s death is just before the swim.

“By taking part I hope I can raise money for the BHF’s research and help make sure that people don’t have to suffer like Dad.

“He wasn’t that old and could have had another 10 or 20 years. So, I want to do my bit to help keep families together longer.”

The BHF funds research into heart and circulatory diseases such as heart attack and stroke.

Research funded by the charity has contributed to many scientific advances, including medicines to treat heart attacks and the development of pacemakers.

Since it was first held in 1992, more than 33,000 people have taken part in the Bournemouth Pier to Pier Swim, helping to raise more than £3.6m for research into heart disease.