Raised: 119%
Target: £3,000.00
Raised so far: £3,575.00
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My story

 

Thank you for visiting my fund raising page.

My beautiful sister, Karen, died of Leukaemia many years ago, at the age of only 21  and although I've been a regular platelet donor for some time now, which is, I guess, of practical help, I've long felt that I could be doing more. 

As some of you know, I swim occasionally and thought that maybe a trip across the channel – the hard way – might be appropriate.  I have also recently learned that a friend of mine has contracted Leukaemia and this has made me even more determined.

My serious training began in April with a trip to Malta where, along with other channel hopefuls, we were put through our paces for four days, culminating in a six hour qualifying swim in 16 degree water.  I will now be spending every weekend swimming in Dover harbour until the end of July, building up stamina and endurance, for what could be a 15 hour crossing, dodging tankers and ferries on the way!

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Leukaemia Research gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

Thank you for taking the time to read this page.  Anything you can contribute would be fantastic.

Kevin

PS. Last weekend (7/8 June), Dover was overcast and cloudy. So much for weather forecasts! Despite this, I 'survived' six hours on Saturday and a five hour stint on Sunday!

PS 2. W/end 14/15 June. Still overcast and cold. The harbour temperature was approaching 14 degrees and I was only given nine hours. Compared to the previous week, a doddle............NOT!

PS 3 W/end 21/22 June. Bummer! Six cold hours on the Saturday, no problem!  Sunday, I had a complete and utter 'Feckit!' moment. Three hours into a five hour swim, having drunk most of the harbour (high winds and waves), I decided I'd rather be walking in the park with the dogs....so I got out, took my rubber ring with me and went home! Promise to do better next weekend!

PS 4. W/end 28/29 June. Seven hours on Saturday! Incredibly boring but not too bad overall, as the sun was shining, for a change! Sunday's six hours was horrible. Tired muscles, cold water, cloudy, overcast skies and strong winds! Drank far more sea water than is is good for you, but I did get to see a harbour seal.

PS 5. W/end 5/6 July. Water getting warmer - thank God!  Must have been all of 15 degrees! - however, a 25mph westerly wind made life very difficult.  Saturday's five hours was tolerable, as the sun was shining for some of the time.  Sunday's four was thoroughly revolting.  It felt like I'd been in the ring with Mike Tyson!  Every time I raised my head to take a breath, a wave slapped me in the face!

PS 6. W/end 12/13 July. What a way to spend my birthday! Only four hours on Saturday. Water temperature becoming more tolerable, but a cold wind kept the air temperature chilly. Sunday's first hour was in glorious sunshine. The next three were back to normal...cloudy, overcast and cold!

PS 7. W/end 19/20 July. My last trip to Dover before 'the swim'. Three incredibly rough hours on Saturday, raining when I got in and got out! Two hours only on Sunday. Cold, but an absolute millpond. Bring on the big one!

Next time catch the ferry!!! Good luck. Donation by Pete & Karen Hipkiss 19/08/08  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Donation by Ivan Steve Tom June Prem 17/08/08  

£60.00 + £16.92 Gift Aid

Well Done for your Effort, good luck for next time. Donation by Steve & Lorraine 02/08/08  

£20.00

My son just died of APL very suddenly and I think what you are doing is brilliant Donation by SJ9 25/07/08  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

We have never heard of anyone making so much effort to get to France Donation by Kyle & Freya 24/07/08  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Recommend a wetsuit! Good luck for a good cause! Donation by Robert & Brenda Young 24/07/08  

£75.00 + £21.15 Gift Aid

'Like little wanton boys that swim on bladders, this many summers in a sea of glory' - Shakespeare. Good luck and watch out for the turds' - All @ 204 Donation by Yvonne & Ross 23/07/08  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

This is probably the reason I escaped to the relative sanity of Oz, compared to some of the stunts you pulled on your Vespa this will be a cruise! Donation by CILLA & FAMILY 21/07/08  

£25.00

Have a mega bean feast and go for the Turbo 'Jet Crack" assist, with your arse you should do it in a Donation by Bob & Alli 20/07/08  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

good luck i know you'll do it. xx Donation by sarah barrett 20/07/08  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

Good Luck, admire what you are doing, rather you than us! Donation by elaine and jef from the gemshop 11/07/08  

£25.00

Best of luck with the swim Kevin. See you in Killarney next time. Donation by Mary Counihan 11/07/08  

£50.00

Watch out for the fins! Best of luck on a superb effort. Donation by Sal & Jack 10/07/08  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Not sure about your swimming style from the photo! Have you had any lessons? Donation by Libby & Martin 07/07/08  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Good luck - All the best with your swim Donation by Rajesh and Panna Shah 07/07/08  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

One day you'll look back on this and laugh (perhaps). A noble cause, well done Donation by Steve (from David Lloyds am) 25/06/08  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

Watch out for the Whaling Fleet! Donation by Nick, Isobel and Max 24/06/08  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

good luck, good cause! Donation by wendy weddell 24/06/08  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Don't forget to tuck your return ferry ticket securely into your trunks! Donation by Steve & Wendy 20/06/08  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Swim Fat Boy Swim!! Donation by Clive 20/06/08  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Don't forget your rubber ring!!!! Donation by Halo Dental laboratory Ltd 20/06/08  

£50.00

Came over here on Helen's advice. Good luck, what you're doing sounds amazing. I'm sure you'll rea Donation by Jo Beaufoix (friend of Helen) 18/06/08  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Our mutual friend, Lois, told me about your endeavor. Best of luck to you! Donation by ktwolf 16/06/08  

£15.00

I had no idea, Sorry I'm poor !!! your bum does look big Donation by FNT 16/06/08  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

well done we are proud of you Donation by mo pop 15/06/08  

£200.00 + £56.41 Gift Aid

And I thought the fun run was hard!! Very best wishes and fingers crossed for perfect swimming conditions on the day. Donation by Caron & Mick Willis 13/06/08  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

May the tidal force be with you and Neptune on your side. Donation by Lesley & Simon 08/06/08  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Your mad, but terrific - go for it! Donation by Libby & Mike 08/06/08  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

We have always said it pays to be slightly mad! Donation by Don and Jane 06/06/08  

£200.00 + £56.41 Gift Aid

Good luck with the swim. Hope the tide is with you Donation by Joan and Mark Attlee 04/06/08  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid
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* Total raised online: £2,575.00
  Offline donations: £1,000.00
  Gift Aid plus supplement: £652.95

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