Starting on the 10h July 2010 I’m going to attempt to swim across 15 different Lakes in a consecutive 9 day programme in the Lake District, Cumbria (see attached for the order/details of each Lake ).

   My aim is to try to raise as much money as possible for The Christie in Manchester. The work they do towards Cancer Treatment/Research is incredible and World-famous but any additional money raised/donated helps no end. So do your best and support the challenge for such a worthy cause!

Since the New Year I have been splashing up and down the Kingfisher Gym’s Swimming Pool Houldsworth Street/Broadstone Road, Reddish (outside lane between 8.20pm and 9.20pm most nights of the week) attempting to improve my (very) basic skills and stamina!! Kingfisher’s No. is 0161 975 5152. In the weekends leading up to the event I will be trying to acclimatise myself to the beautiful but deep/daunting/bloody cold waters of the LAKES in our proud NW Corner of England. If I could have only shared some of  the hours of pleasure the Lake District gives me with those who I was close to and who were fabulously cared for/ treated by The Christie  Team, but alas are no longer with us, then I would be even happier with the memories. But when the swimming gets tough I know that they’ll be behind me (perched on my shoulders) spurring me on telling me ‘DO NOT GIVE IN’! All in support of The Christie Cause  showing their own ‘thanks’ for the professional care and personal attention that the staff at The Christie always gave them in their own personal ‘battles’!

My own thanks go to Jimmy my rowing-boat man and faithful help over the many weekends leading up to this event…. ‘CHEERS’ mate! Thanks to Scott for the artwork on the advertising signs in the front garden plus Gordon for helping restore the boat and a big mention to Paddy (Carpy) for actually donating the boat & trailer for the Event.

Also to my fabulous hosts Kelly & James Gillings @ Dalegarth B&B/Guest House, Hassness Estate, Buttermere, Cumbria, CA13 9AX (Tel 017687 70233 & Email dalegarthhouse@hotmail.co.uk) who are not only letting me stay but also looking after my boat/vehicle for the Summer (THANK YOU!!). Give Dalegarth a try it’s worth it. So are the dawn walks around Buttermere and pre-brekkie swims with magnificent panoramic views from the Lake!!!!

Thanks to Bramall Construction (Dave, Steve & staff @ the Manchester & Liverpool Offices) and the B&B Group (Mick, Amanda & colleagues in Leigh)  for the work given to me in 2010 which has helped me fund matters along the way it has been MUCH APPRECIATED.

Likewise I extend my personal gratitude for the care/back-up to my team of:-

Gerry (Eastholme Surgery) for the monthly check-ups/pep talks. Jemma (Alba Chiropractics) for looking after my back.  Samira (Bellisima) for the hot stones/pleasurable pain. Catherine for the regular
treatment of toes, back, muscles and even hair-cuts.

The time, effort and attention you have all given me has been great and really appreciated.

Appreciation is extended to all my friends and the staff at my regular ‘watering-holes’:-

The Union, Broadstone Road, Reddish, The Houldsworth, Broadstone Road, Reddish, The George & Dragon, Broadstone Road/School Lane, Heaton Chapel.

Also to Emma T and the Team @ The Christie Appeals well done for all the dedicated hard work you do for The Christie. I hope our contribution helps and Good Luck with all your future Events.

FINALLY A BIG THANK YOU  TO  DAN & JODIE FOR PUTTING UP WITH ME AND GIVING ME THE TIME & SPACE TO   …..WORK/SWIM/DRINK/SLEEP (DAILY IN THAT ORDER)…………………

I’LL TREAT YOU AFTER THE EVENT FOR  YOUR 21^st & 18^th’

So do your best in support of THE CHRISTIE Cause and dig deep.

 

 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT,

Alan Cheetham

PS. I live//work/swim/drink/sleep on one bloody road (sad boring sod!)……..it’s a good job I escape to the Lakes now & then!!

 

Alan Cheetham

301 Broadstone Road (known as ‘The Bungalow’), Heaton Chapel, Stockport, SK4 5HQ.

                                        Mobile: 07545581820           Email: alan@cheethamsolutions.co.uk

DAY ONE :
         Loghrigg Tarn approx    0.3km
         Rydal Water approx    0.35km
         Elter Water approx    0.35km   
           
DAY TWO   :
         Brothers Water  approx    0.5km
         Buttermere  approx    0.6km
         Grasmere  approx 0.65km     
         
DAY THREE :
         Esthwaite Water  approx 0.7km               
         Coniston Water  approx 0.75km   
           
DAY FOUR  :
         Wast Water  approx 0.75km               
         Crummock Water  approx 0.9km   
           
DAY FIVE :        
         Ullswater  approx 1.0km     
         
DAY SIX  :
         Bassenthwaite Lake  approx 1.3km  
            
DAY SEVEN :
         Ennerdale Water  approx 1.3km   
           
DAY EIGHT :
         Derwent Water  approx 1.9km  
            
DAY NINE  :
         Windermere  approx 1.5km               

 

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So please dig deep and donate now.