Northampton Swimming Club keeps fingers crossed over chance to win share of £1 million prize pot

Northampton Swimming Club is facing an anxious wait to see if they have won a share of a £1 million charity prize from a housing developer.

Persimmon Homes Midlands shortlisted a number of good causes to represent the region in its Building Futures scheme, which is giving away £1 million nationally this year to projects that benefit under-18s.

Each of Persimmon’s 32 operating businesses selected groups from three categories targeting grassroots sports groups, health organisations and arts and education projects.

There is a first prize of £100,000, a second prize of £50,000 and a third prize of £20,000. All shortlisted projects will each receive £5,000.

Northampton Swimming Club was selected to represent the sport category from this region.

The winners in each category have been decided by a public vote with around 366,000 votes cast. The winners will be announced on October 6.

Simon McDonald, regional division director (Central), said: “Building Futures aims to create a lasting legacy for young people and the groups that support them. It is clear there are a lot of very worthy causes supporting the younger generation and we wish our finalists the best of luck.”

Northampton Swimming Club provides opportunities for competitive and non-competitive swimmers. The club hopes to subsidise lessons, and offer free sessions and camps to increase participation, especially those members of the community who would otherwise be unable to participate due to limited income.

Building Futures is being delivered through the Persimmon Charitable Foundation, which last year donated £1.7 million to community projects and charities.