In 1875, my hero, Captain Matthew Webb, fuelled exclusively by brandy and beef jerky, became the first person to swim across the English Channel (at least 32km). He made the crossing, breaststroking, in 21 hours 45 minutes. 

In a meagre effort to emulate Captain Webb, on August 28th, I’ll be attempting to swim, NOT across the English Channel, but from one end of Lake Windermere to the other (17.8km). I expect to swim (read: doggy paddle, scull and drown) at a social pace with an estimated time of between 8 and 12 hours.

My swimming experience is, at present, extremely limited - with only a (contested) equal last place in the (year 8) 25m breaststroke race to my name. 

But, hopefully, in attempting this swim, I’ll be both stepping out of the shadow of my swimming inadequacies and raising some money for Wakefield Hospice and the Leeds Hospitals Charity (specifically, the Bexley Wing). Both are great causes and are invaluable to those receiving their care.

I'll be swimming in memory of my parents, Robert and Rona Ellis who, like many others, were beneficiaries of exceptional treatment at Wakefield Hospice and in the Bexley Wing.

Thank you. 

Ted xx