News
Aug 2, 2010
Channel Swimmer trains in Basildon
A member of the Gloucester Park Swim Fit Club has taken his passion for swimming to an all new level - By swimming the English Channel!
David Blandy 44 first joined the swimming club at Gloucester Park at the age of 8 inspired by a Roy Castle feature on TV Show 'Record Breakers'.
Since then he has been a regular swimmer, competing at club level and winning numerous trophies along the way.
However it was on Tuesday when he faced his greatest challenge when he swam the Channel in an incredible 14 hours, 10 minutes.
Throughout his training for the challenge he was supported by staff at the Basildon Council Pool who provided training tips and advice. Friend Frank Palmer, Indoor Sports Manager at Basildon Council assisted David and accompanied him on a support boat on the day.
He said "It is an amazing achievement for Dave. We were able to assist on the boat by providing jelly babies and energy drinks in a large net off a long pole. He really had to dig in deep over the last few hours but I am honoured to have been able to support him."
The swim started at 10pm on Monday evening and after successfully avoiding up to various large ships in the shipping lanes David finally swan a shore at Cape Blanc Ness in France some 37 nautical miles later.
Councillor Kevin Blake, Cabinet Member for Arts and Leisure said "It's a fantastic story of determination. We will continue to support David and we will be inviting him down to the new Sporting Village when it opens, but I am sure the pool there wont be much of a challenge!"
All the money raised in sponsorship through the challenge will be donated to St Luke's Hospice and members of the public are still able to donate at the Gloucester Park Swimming Pool reception.
David Blandy 44 first joined the swimming club at Gloucester Park at the age of 8 inspired by a Roy Castle feature on TV Show 'Record Breakers'.
Since then he has been a regular swimmer, competing at club level and winning numerous trophies along the way.
However it was on Tuesday when he faced his greatest challenge when he swam the Channel in an incredible 14 hours, 10 minutes.
Throughout his training for the challenge he was supported by staff at the Basildon Council Pool who provided training tips and advice. Friend Frank Palmer, Indoor Sports Manager at Basildon Council assisted David and accompanied him on a support boat on the day.
He said "It is an amazing achievement for Dave. We were able to assist on the boat by providing jelly babies and energy drinks in a large net off a long pole. He really had to dig in deep over the last few hours but I am honoured to have been able to support him."
The swim started at 10pm on Monday evening and after successfully avoiding up to various large ships in the shipping lanes David finally swan a shore at Cape Blanc Ness in France some 37 nautical miles later.
Councillor Kevin Blake, Cabinet Member for Arts and Leisure said "It's a fantastic story of determination. We will continue to support David and we will be inviting him down to the new Sporting Village when it opens, but I am sure the pool there wont be much of a challenge!"
All the money raised in sponsorship through the challenge will be donated to St Luke's Hospice and members of the public are still able to donate at the Gloucester Park Swimming Pool reception.