Charity swimmer in hospital

A COMPETITOR in the Great North Swim was airlifted to hospital yesterday, a day after another man died while taking part in the event.

Yesterday's incident unfolded at about 8:30am when the man, aged about 60, suffered a heart attack and stopped breathing.

He was resuscitated by doctors before being flown to hospital in Newcastle Upon Tyne, where his condition was critical last night.

About 10,000 people were taking part in the three-day Great North Swim which involves half-mile, one-mile and two-mile swims on Windermere in groups of up to 300 people.

Many of the swimmers are amateurs raising money for charity.