In mid-September I have my eyes (and goggles) set on swimming around the Channel Island of Sark. This swim is rarely attempted due to tricky waters and the ultra-marathon distance. But, when do I ever do things by half? I've set myself the challenge to raise funds for two important charities: the National Brain Appeal and the Professor Charles Saint Sark Medical Trust.
The swim itself measures roughly 16km and is estimated to take between 5-6hrs to complete. The conditions in Sark are tricky to navigate, tidal flows and the inaccessibility of some of the coastline make any journey around the coast difficult even for a kayaker. So I’m prepared for some not so smooth sailing. The training for this event has been a challenge in itself, swimming 6 ultra-marathons on back to back weekends in the build up to the event. As you can probably imagine, not many attempt this and as such it’s self organised. If it weren’t for the supportive team around me, including some of the Sark locals, I wouldn’t have a chance of even making it to the start line.
The National Brain Appeal provide much-needed funds for Queen Square. This is one of the world’s leading centres for the diagnosis, treatment and care of patients with neurological and neuromuscular conditions. These include stroke, multiple sclerosis, brain cancer, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia. Having seen a number of family members having faced or continuing to face life with neurlogical conditions, this cause is close to my heart.
The Professor Charles Saint Sark Medical Trust underwrite the cost of prescription drugs for those in need on the island. For instance, there are patients on Sark who are Type 1 diabetics and others with heart conditions, both of which require exceedingly expensive drugs and treatments. By subsidising the costs of medicines, the Trust is making it possible for the elderly and chronically sick in particular to continue living on Sark. This Trust is an example of the true community that Sark have. The island locals have shown me, a stranger, an unbelievable amount of kindess and support in the prepartion and eventual execution of this challenge - Edd Stone naviagting the whole challenge for me, islanders offering their RIB for support crew and even looking to find us a place to stay whilst wer are there. It feels only right to support this incredible charity which cares and supports the wonderful people of Sark.
This could prove to be an impossible challenge - but where would be the fun in attempting something entirely possible! Every pound donated will truly help spur me on through the mentally and physically tough kilometers, and of course be invaluable in supporting the continued medical service provision by these two brillaint charities.
This ultra-marathon challenge has been a huge undertaking but I’m sure it will be worth it when I finish my swim and see the fund raising total at the end!