Thank you for visiting my fundraising page.

Update 1 - Sorry guys I am delaying the swim until August 2010, for the following reasons:

- The date for the Padstow swim has changed to July 17th 2009 which I cannot make as I am attending an open air concert for the weekend which I cannot get out of, tickets bought, camping the whole weekend, loads of us going. including my sisters kids, and I cannot let them down.

- Really not fit enough for this anyway, work load has meant I am struggling to ge to the pool.

- I will be able to raise the £1000 needed by delaying for a year.

So sorry to all that have sponsored me so early, at least it has got to the charity earlier then expected!

Back to the reason for the swimathon:

My father was diagnosed with Alzheimer Disease when he was in his early fifties, and it was devastating to see him deteriorate. We lost him some time ago and I have finally got round to doing something for this great charity. I want to raise £1000 or more in his memory.

I am raising funds and awareness of Alzheimer's Society by swimming the Padstow to Rock Estuary. I will swim the shark infested waters whilst having my legs and arms tied together, no clothes are allowed only goose fat and feathers.

Joking aside its about a mile with strong currents coming across you as the water goes back out to sea. I watched it last year and thought you fools, you wouldnt catch me doing that. Im as flippant as ever and after completing 4 lengths in my local swimming pool (JJB in Kidderminster - free advertising - sponsor me!) having only swallowed half of the pool, I thought, why not? 

You might also be interested to hear that the training is well underway.  Im getting to the pool - oh at least every other week, due to work commitments (thanks Waterscan - more free advertising - sponsor me!)

I am currently upto 10 lengths before my need to breath underwater stops me "performing". I asked for some advice from my sons swimming teacher and after she looked me up and down and said not a chance (Tenbury Leisure Centre - Jenny - more free advertising - sponsor me) she stated I have to swim 4 times the distance in the pool for a comparison of sea swimming, so thats 400 lengths at 1 minute a length? thats nearly 7 hours in the pool non stop!!

So as I write this (Jan 09) I have some way to go to be fit and able to get to land on the otherside, but come August bank holiday I will do it. All in memory of my wonderful Father who we lost to this awful disease.

Thanks for reading my waffle and lets get that £1000 if not more!!

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to donate: Alzheimer's Society will receive your money electronically and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in Gift Aid will be added to your donation at no cost to you.

Many thanks for your support

Richard "the not quite a fish" Butler