Summary
Cirencester Swimming Club is coming together for a special charity event in memory of long-time swim parent and volunteer, Ollie Newbold , who sadly died in June this year. A familiar face at poolside, Ollie was a passionate supporter of his children’s swimming and became an integral part of the Cirencester Swimming Club community.
Details
As well as cheering on young swimmers, he readily volunteered his time to support the swimmers and served as the club’s treasurer. Ollie, who was 46, was also well known in the Gloucestershire business community, as a partner at Cheltenham accountants Randall & Payne.
Rob Case, managing partner at Randall & Payne and friend of Ollie , said: “Ollie was a much-loved supporter of Cirencester Swimming Club and took great pride in being part of its community. With his children’s passion for swimming, the club held a special place in his heart.
“Whether cheering from the poolside or serving as treasurer, Ollie was always willing to lend a hand and give his time, and he will be remembered fondly by so many people at the club, as he will be here at Randall & Payne.” Born with Tetralogy of Fallot, a rare congenital heart condition, Ollie underwent numerous open-heart surgeries throughout his life.
In 2025 and 2026, he spent many months at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle awaiting a heart transplant. Throughout this difficult period, he remained positive, continuing to work remotely while receiving treatment. Sadly, his condition deteriorated, and Ollie passed away at home in Gloucestershire on June 17, surrounded by his family.
In tribute to Ollie’s life and in the spirit with which he approached every challenge, Cirencester Swimming Club is holding a fun-filled charity event in his memory. The event will raise funds for the Newcastle Hospitals Charity, recognising the exceptional care Ollie received during his treatment.
Funds raised will help the charity continue supporting patients, families and staff facing some of life’s most challenging circumstances. Writing on Just Giving, Ollie’s wife Jennifer said: “Our beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend, Ol, spent almost eight months in the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle, waiting for a heart transplant.
“He sacrificed so much in the hope of a future with our family but was ultimately let down by the national organ donation system. “However, the treatment and support he received in Newcastle was only ever delivered with sensitivity and compassion. He wished for the kindness he received to be recognised through charitable donations to the Newcastle Hospitals Charity after his death.
Report source: Punchline Gloucester
