Strait-talking Lee Perth native set to tackle New Zealand’s 14 miles of open water

Strong currents, jellyfish and even sharks will all be standing in the way of a Perth native who is preparing to become the first Scot to swim between New Zealand’s North and South Islands.

Lee Greshon, 38, who was born and lived in the Fair City until he was 21 but now resides in Auckland with his wife and two sons, is taking on the task in aid of the Crohn’s and Colitis Trust.

The former Perth Grammar School and Strathallan pupil (pictured left) told the Perthshire Advertiser: “The inspiration behind the Cook Strait swim is basically to give it a go. I’ve always liked to challenge myself as much as possible and part of that is putting myself outside my comfort zone.

“I’m not the sort of person that wants to sit back and let life happen, I’d rather push myself and set goals for things that I would like to achieve.

“I used to swim a lot when I was at school but after leaving school, swimming was something that I stopped focussing on.

“My wife and I have got two boys and with living on the North Shore in Auckland, we have a choice of a dozen beaches within 10km of where we live.

“My wife wanted to learn to swim so when we are at the beach, if anything happens we could look after our boys. So with my wife making the decision to learn to swim, I decided to get back into swimming as well.

“Every Thursday, the kids have swimming lessons and then my wife and I do the adult swim technique class.”

The Cook Strait, separating the two islands, is 14 miles of open water where whales, giant squid and sharks have all been sighted.

The inspiration behind the Cook Strait swim is to give it a go. I’ve always liked to ch