Castlederg teenager to swim 22 miles to aid Cystic Fibrosis
Thursday, 2 February 2012
AN 18-year-old Castlederg student is set to swim the equivalent distance of the English Channel in a Donegal swimming pool to raise money and awareness for Cystic Fibrosis.
James Garvey will attempt to swim 22 miles in one session at Ballyshannon Leisure Centre at the end of March.
While he is confident about the challenge that lies ahead, James is not being complacent: "After about two years of contemplating this mad idea, I decided it was about time to put it in to action!" he said.
“It will be no easy feat, but I believe this is what it will take to get the attention from the public that we need to help raise the funds to make a difference for people with Cystic Fibrosis - it has to be done so people notice, and donate and to help find a cure!"
He trains with the City of Derry Swim Club, but most of his training involves gymwork, rowing, running long distances, and circuits at home.
In 2010 James took part in the first series of the RTE programme, Mission Beach, which saw eight teenagers from all over Ireland sent to Florida to train in the toughest lifeguarding course in the world.
He is also a keen surfer and cites Rossnowlagh as his favourite place to surf. He recently came first in the under-18 national championship competition there, and fourth in all of Ireland in the Volcom competition. Last year he competed for Donegal in the national pool surf lifesaving competition at UL in Limerick.
James is also indebted to the management of Ballyshannon Leisure Centre who have given him the use of the pool for his challenge and have agreed to open it at 4am on the day to start off his swim, which he estimates will take 18 hours to complete.
“I can't thank them enough," James said.
He is looking for as much support as possible on the day. Donations can be made by following the link on his blog - james-garvey.blogspot.com - where he will also be keeping everyone up to date on his training and progress.
Subscribe to read full newspaper »
Send to a friend
Please complete the following form to inform a friend about this page.
