Chris
Shaw’s
Swim
marathon
July 19
2014
Chris Shaw from Wallasey swam 50km to North Wales
and back in torrential rain.
Dangerous weather didn’t stop a Wirral dad doing a 12
hour swim to Wales for charity.
On Saturday Chris Shaw swam 23 miles and
sometimes in torrential rain from New Brighton to
Point of Ayr in North Wales and back.
Wearing his new wetsuit donated by Wirral Sports, the
dad-of-two set off in pitch black from Derby Pool at
4.30am – as soon as the hazardous thunder and
lightning had ended.
For 12 hours he took on strong currents and jelly fish
stings to raise money for AIW Health in Birkenhead,
AMMO (military veterans support) and The Quays
(support for people who are recovering from substance
abuse).
Chris had three kayaks as support – paddled by Jenny
Brown, Sophie Steventon, Terry Green and Paul
Griffiths.
The mammoth task also marked his 50th birthday.
Chris, from Wallasey, is the chief executive of AIW
Health, which has provided support to people with
mental health problems for 21 years.
He said: “We set off as soon as the storm passed over
as it would have been far too dangerous to risk a
lightning strike. “It was pitch black when I entered the
water and there was little wind. The ebbing tide helped
us head out along the coast.
“By 6.30am we had passed Red Rocks where another
support crew of Tom Platt and Nick Broadhead cycled
past preparations for the Open Golf. “By 8am we were
near West Kirby and torrential rain started, but I
continued and swam strongly on past Hilbre Island
accompanied by nine seals.
“After six hours swimming at 10.30am, we crossed the
boundary between England and Wales. “I set foot on
Welsh territory on Constable sandbank before
returning to the water to do the journey back to Perch
Rock – after briefly exploring the strong and dangerous
currents in the mouth of the Dee estuary.
“Low tide exposed the huge sandbanks which forced
us to head two miles out from the coast, adding to the
journey.
“The constant crawl stroke caused pain in my right
shoulder and I had a jellyfish sting on my wrist.
“The last hour’s swim when I saw New Brighton in the
distance was the hardest part. A small crowd had
gathered on the beach and there was a huge cheer as
I clambered out.”
The swim raised over a thousand pounds for the three
charities. There is still time to donate please visit
www.justgiving.com/50kmSwim.
07549
614244
Weekly activity bulletin
for August 4th
Hi APExers - we’re trying something new to keep you up to date with what activities are taking
place for you to join in.
We will email this bulletin to you every week to show you the times and places activities are
happening.
For most activities you can just turn up, but if you want further information, please leave a
message on our phone and we’ll get back to you.
Monday
GITE (Gentle Introduction to Exercise) Wallasey Fire Station 5.30 - 6.30pm
Tuesday
Boxing Introduction to Boxing for Wellbeing sessions - ring for further details
Wednesday
GITE (Gentle Introduction to Exercise) Wallasey Fire Station 4.30 - 5.30pm
Running sessions start next week (Aug 6th) 5 - 6pm Birkenhead Park
Thursday
Local walk - 11.15am start from bus stop by John Laird statue in Hamilton
Square. Wear clothes suitable for 4-5 mile walk in all weathers.
Netball - 6 - 7pm ‘Back to netball’ sessions at Leasowe Leisure Centre
Friday
Boxing Introduction to Boxing for Wellbeing sessions - ring for further details
Football 5 - 6pm at Birkenhead Youth Club, Watson Street CH41 3PY
...and don’t forget our next monthly walk is on Saturday August 30th
Capenhurst to Chester meeting 9.40am at Hamilton Square