Physiotherapist ready for Windermere challenge...
A 44-YEAR-OLD physiotherapist, who has worked at Loughborough Hospital for over a decade, is to swim for up to 14 hours in temperatures as low as 16 degrees with no rest or wet suit in a bid to raise funds for two charities.
On Saturday (August 12), Neil Meadows is to swim the BLDSA Two Way Windermere Championship - which will see him travel from Ambleside to Fell Foot and back again.
Neil, who has worked in the MSK Outpatients Department at Loughborough Hospital for 11 years, will start the race at 5pm and he is to swim a total of 21 miles - the same distance as the English Channel - through the night.
Neil, who is from Frisby on the Wreake, told the Echo: “The furthest I have actually swam is the one-way Windermere - so this is double. I am a little bit nervous but I think nerves are quite healthy.
“I’m excited and I’ve worked pretty hard over the past four months.”
Despite temperatures at Windermere expected to drop well below 20 degrees, participants can only wear a pair of swimming trunks, a hat and a pair of goggles.
Neil can not stop during the race and will rely on a support boat to throw him food and drinks and help him navigate in the dark.
Money raised through sponsorship is to go to Parkinson’s UK and The Silver Line - a helpline that supports isolated and lonely elderly people which Neil raised £1,200 for through a previous swim.
Neil told the Echo he wanted to sup- port both charities due to situations in his work and personal life.
He said: “I see lots of elderly people come in with various injuries and it struck me that many are isolated and sometimes it’s the only social contact they have all week.
“I also wanted to support Parkinson’s and their work as my dad was diagnosed last year.
“Whatever I can raise I’ll be really grateful for. If I can raise near to £1,200, I’ll be happy.”
• To sponsor Neil, visit: uk.virginmoneygiving. com/NeilMeadows