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!
