Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

On Tuesday 12th April I successfully completed my Escape From Alcatraz swim on behalf of Bowel Cancer UK. I was really pleased with how it went and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The water was very cold, choppy and got particularly tough in the middle because of the tides meeting. Despite this the views were fantastic and a porpoise and a seal joined me along the way! Luckily no sharks! Many thanks for all of your support for this very worthwhile charity and any further donations greatly appreciated.

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Alcatraz! the very name conjures up visions of sharks, frigid waters, Al Capone and the barren, fog-enshrouded 'rock'.  It closed as a federal prison in 1963 and is now a desolate outpost 1.5 miles off San Francisco's Presidio Park.  On 12th April 2011 at 6.00am, in cold 12C waters accompanied by a support boat, I plan to swim across from the imposing fortress island of Alcatraz on behalf of Bowel Cancer UK.

I decided I wanted to support Bowel Cancer UK after my Dad was diagnosed with the disease at the end of last year. He subsequently had two operations this year and after an early diagnosis has now recovered.  My aim is not only to raise funds for this very worthwhile charity but also to create awareness of the disease and the importance of obtaining an early diagnosis which greatly improves the chances of successfully combating the disease.

Both my Dad and I are keen swimmers;  I've undertaken several triathlons and a 3km open water race this summer and the Alcatraz swim seems like the ultimate challenge for me at the moment. It is an opportunity for me to make a positive contribution to highlighting Bowel Cancer.

Due to its natural isolation, cold waters and strong currents, Alcatraz was considered as an ideal location for holding prisoners. Although many tried to escape, no recorded attempts ever succeeded.

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So please dig deep and donate now.

Many thanks,

Stephen

P.S. check out the article about my swim on the Bowel Cancer UK website! http://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/home/media-centre/latest-news/alcatraz