Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Builder takes on Channel swim in friend’s memory
Following in father’s fundraising footsteps
Builder Justin Legge will be hoping for a calm crossing of the Channel today (Thursday) as he takes to the water in nothing more than his Speedos and a bathing hat.
The 49-year-old dad-of-two has been in training to swim the 21-mile route from Dover to France for more than a year. It is a challenge he has been inspired to take on in memory of a friend, Tim Prior, an electrician at the University of Kent who died from leukaemia in April, and to raise money for Blood Cancer UK.
And the effort is also a nod to the fundraising feats of his late father - panto dame Dave Lee who founded his own children’s charity.
“It’s going to be very tough and no doubt the water a bit cold, even at this time of year, because Channel swimming rules means you can’t wear a wetsuit,” said Justin, who lives in Bridge with his wedding planner wife Charlotte. “After Tim’s death, I just wanted to do something, and my dad was a big charity fundraiser.”
Justin has always been a keen swimmer and is no stranger to endurance events, having completed several triathlons, an Iron Man and cycled from Land’s End to John O’groats.
But he has had to train especially hard in the pool and in the sea off Dover to be as prepared as possible.
“You have to be able to complete a 20k sea swim in six hours to be able to take on a Channel crossing,” he said.
With a fair forecast, Justin is expecting to set off early today for the gruelling challenge, which he hopes to complete in about 12 to 18 hours.
“To get the required nourishment, the crew of the pilot boat throws a bottle in the sea every 30 mins which contains an energy drink, because you are not allowed to touch the boat. “In reality you end up swimming about 25 miles because you don’t swim in a straight line because of the tides.” Justin’s Gofundme page has already received more than £9,000 in donations towards his £10,000 target.
To donate, visit https:// gf.me/u/x4zdyy.