’s epic challenge

Construction supervisor Lee explained: “I’ve got no target whatsoever in how quickly I would like to do the swim. The only target I have is to successfully complete the swim.

“The quicker I can complete the swim the better as it means less time in the water. It will all come down to the conditions on the day as well.

“I don’t know anyone who has done the Cook Strait before. I have no preference in which direction I swim in – I’ll wait and see what the recommendations are from the support crew.

“The Cook Strait is notoriously windy and it has very strong currents and can have very large swell. The swim is part of the Ocean’s Seven and is considered to be one of the hardest.

“On top of that there is the marine life to consider as well. Approximately one swim in 15-20 attempts encounter sharks and so far there have been no ‘attacks’.

“Dolphins are often encountered and there are also jellyfish. Luckily most of the jellyfish that are there are harmless and do not sting, however bluebottle jellyfish (Portuguese man o’ war) have been present and they do sting.”

“I’m taking part in the Chopper Swim Challenge for the second time this year which is a 20km swim from Waiheke Island to Judges Bay, Parnell in Auckland on March 26. It is a charity event to raise funds for the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust. So far, collectively, we have managed to raise $64,000. That is the longest distance I have swam so far.

The mammoth task is in aid of a charity close to Lee’s heart, however the other challenge is the steep fundraising targets.

Lee added: “Whilst doing the Cook Strait, I’m raising money for the Crohn’s and Colitis Trust New Zealand.

“I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2005 so anything I can do to help out with research into the disease will hopefully go towards helping others who suffer from the same condition.

“Attempting the Cook Strait is not a cheap exercise. It costs $6500.

“I’m hoping that I can raise enough money to cover the costs of the swim and be able to give a good donation to Crohn’s and Colitis. Ideally I’d like to raise a minimum of $10,000.”

●You can support Lee by donating at www.give.everydayhero.com/nz/ lee-greshon-cook-strait-swim

hallenge myself as much as possible and part of that is putting myself outside my comfort zone