Thanks you for visiting my fundraising page. 

Throughout the evening of Saturday 15 July I will be undertaking the challenge of swimming around Manhattan Island to raise money for St Oswald’s Hospice. 

St Oswald’s Hospice is a charitable hospice very close to our hearts based in Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne. Not only does the hospice provide outstanding, specialist and expert care to adults and children with life-limiting conditions, it also delivers dignified and compassionate care to their families when they need it.

By completing my swim, I am hoping to complete the Triple Crown of open water swimming. The Triple Crown consists of swimming the English Channel (21 miles), the Catalina channel in California (21 miles) and around Manhattan Island which is (28 miles).

The round Manhattan Island swim is a 28.5-mile (48.5-km) Manhattan Island full loop of the island. The swim travels through three “rivers” that are actually all tidal straits or estuaries; no freshwater here. The East River, connecting New York Harbor to Long Island Sound, has some ripping-fast tides that will have you shooting under the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and other spans as you pass the boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens. The Harlem River, connecting the East River to the Hudson, is quite mellow by comparison, with relatively calm waters and a slower current. Though it’s just 8 miles long, the Harlem River is crossed by 15 bridges, most of them between Manhattan and the Bronx. Then, of course, is the mighty Hudson, separating Manhattan from the state of New Jersey. The only bridge during this stretch is the magnificent George Washington Bridge. The Hudson can get quite choppy due to all the boat action, especially if there is wind coming up from the Harbor.

St Oswald’s Hospice relies largely on donations to make a massive difference to peoples lives. Each year, they require over £4million to provide care to patients from across the region and their families. As a registered charity and they rely on the generosity of local businesses, individuals, groups and companies. Every penny counts and will be greatly received so please donate generously. 

Many thanks in advance.

Tony and St Oswald’s Hospice