On Wednesday 9 August, Rob Russell, aged 55 from Clapton-in-Gordano completed a total of 14.5 miles, by swimming the Bristol channel. Rob has raised over £2,000 for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW). From Cardiff to Clevedon, Rob was cheered in by many of his friends, family and members of the team at CHSW.
Rob completed the channel swim in 5 hours and 19 minutes, which is one of the fastest times on record!
Rob said: “It was a great day and we set off from Penarth at sunrise about an hour before low tide (5.45am), I had a pilot from Bristol Channel Swimming to guide me across the estuary, which is very treacherous as it is the second highest tidal range in the world. I had a quick refreshment every half hour along the route and during this time I was not allowed to touch the boat or have any assistance, as this needed to be an unaided swim. The estuary is not the most pleasant of swimming spots due to the level of silt, but it was a great challenge."
Having now completed solo swims of both the English Channel and the Bristol Channel for CHSW, I need to think of the next interesting swimming challenge!
Lucie Perryman, Community Fundraiser at CHSW, said:
Rob has supported CHSW in the past by taking part in a variety of fundraising events, however, this challenge is on another level. He is a true inspiration.
“Alongside our other care facilities at our hospices, support like Rob’s can help fund hydrotherapy pool sessions, for the children and young people that we care for. Children with stiff joints, muscle spasms or muscle wasting conditions can benefit from the therapeutic experience of water, as it can help improve their flexibility or joint range and provides the chance to improve their strength or endurance."
"More importantly exercises in water give the children a feeling of well-being and fun.”
If you are inspired and would like to take part in any water based fundraising activities to help raise vital funds for children and families across the South West, you can click hereSouth West Splash