Raised: 163%
Target: £2,500.00
Raised so far: £4,075.00
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My story

 

I'm delighted to report that I succeeded in my attempt at the Great North Swim without a wetsuit. The water in Lake Windermere on Sunday was 16.3 degrees following some beautiful autumn weather in the days leading up to the event. Therefore wetsuits were not complusory and I reckon fewer than 70 of the 6000 taking part over the two days chose to go "skin", as the open water swimmers' jargon goes.

I have to say that in spite of all the training and acclimatisation I'd done it was still a major challenge and I didn't find it easy or enjoyable. However, my time (40 minutes) was respectable and I had just enough energy to resist the medical team's recommendation to spend some time in the recovery room to warm up.

Anyone visiting this site who has not yet donated, please still do so. Money donated via this page will go to a special appeal on behalf of the Spinal Injuries Association in memory of Sir Tristram Ricketts, late Chief Executive of the Horserace Betting Levy Board. The aim is to raise £150,000 for the benefit of the SIA Academy.

The establishment of the SIA Academy will lead to greater international awareness of spinal cord injury and the needs of those who experience it. Providing a forum for expert discussion of research and medical innovation, as well as training and education excellence, it will play a vital role in the future betterment of the lives of paralysed people.  Visit www.spinal.co.uk

Donating through Justgiving is totally secure and is the most efficient way to sponsor me: SIA Academy 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.

SIA Academy and I are grateful for sponsorship of any amount so please do whatever you can. All donations of any size are very welcome.

Well done, Rupert. Very impressed. Donation by Chris, Jill, Caroline and Joan 20/10/09  

£110.00 + £31.03 Gift Aid

Well done Rupert! Donation by Paul Roy 17/09/09  

£500.00 + £141.03 Gift Aid

Hope you survived Donation by Christopher Thornton 15/09/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

You were hiding your light under a bushel! A delight having you here to stay for the swim. Donation by Ada and Louise, Lowfell, Bowness on Windermere. 14/09/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Donation by Justin Arnold 14/09/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Donation by David Pinder 06/09/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Good luck Rupert - we'll be with you in spirit !!!with love from E,C,T and S xxxx Donation by Elinor, Chris,Tristan and Sebastian De Souza 06/09/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Donation by David Gandolfo 05/09/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Rupert--you are a good man, I get cold just thinking what you will endure. Well done you, those of us who have had spinal injuries say THANKS! Donation by Sally Rowley-Williams 04/09/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Good luck and don’t forget the goose fat! Donation by Ashley Snelling 21/08/09  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Best of luck Rupert. Hope the weather will be kind! Donation by Sadie Ryan 21/08/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Good Luck - personally we prefer a heated swimming pool!!!! Donation by Claire and Henry 14/08/09  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

Good luck Rupert... that's a proper effort! Donation by Mark Davies 13/08/09  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

Good luck Rupert! Donation by Paul Roy 06/08/09  

£200.00 + £56.41 Gift Aid

Good luck Rupert, and in response to Roberts message below - if you wear a wetsuit I'll put picture number 4 on the NTF website!! :-) Donation by Jill Crook 04/08/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Good luck Rupert. Donation by The Professional Jockeys Association 03/08/09  

£50.00

Donation by josh apiafi 02/08/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

WOW ! How do I print out a copy of image no 4 ? Donation by Robin Barrett 22/07/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Good Luck Donation by Stephen Smith 22/07/09  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Donation by Laurence Robertson 21/07/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

I hope it all goes swimmingly! Donation by Michael Harris 21/07/09  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

Good Luck from the ROA Rupert! Donation by ROA 21/07/09  

£400.00

Donation by Chris McFadden 21/07/09  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Rupert. Great cause - wishing you the very best of luck. Call Charlie Moore for some tips - he's well known for his knowledge of the breast stroke!!! Donation by Rod Street 19/07/09  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Good Luck!!! Hope it is not too cold! Donation by PHILIP HOBBS 18/07/09  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

Great cause, Rupert, hope it all goes well. Donation by Simon Bazalgette 17/07/09  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Rather you than me, that lake is b***** freezing. Good luck, its for a great cause. Donation by Chris Wall 15/07/09  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Good Luck Rupert. Donation by Nic Coward 14/07/09  

A very good cause. But, rather you than me... Can we wager on how long it will take?! ATB Donation by Giles & Pippa Anderson 13/07/09  

£50.00

In memory of a good Old Wykehamist. Good luck Rupert. Donation by Jeremy Hindley 11/07/09  

£50.00
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* Total raised online: £2,485.00
  Offline donations: £1,590.00
  Gift Aid plus supplement: £545.77

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