Amputee set to take the plunge for open water swim
A 60-year-old Nottinghamshire amputee is aiming to be one of the first people with a disability to swim the Northern Channel.
Andrew Smith, who lives in Rainworth, is part of a relay team of six amputees from across the UK gearing up to swim from Northern Ireland to Scotland on June 20.
He was the latest - and oldest - to join the group, whose motto is “six swimmers, five legs, one goal”, after managing to “push” his way onto the standby list before someone pulled out.
“I’m really excited, I’m loving the training side of it and enjoying pushing myself to become fitter and stronger,” he told the Post.
Back in 2000, Andrew was forced to have his leg amputated from above the knee after a motorcycle accident.
After losing control of his bike outside Cambridge he slid underneath a lorry, which crushed his leg.
“I had my leg amputated later that day,” he recalled.
“It was a bit tricky at the time and I very was lucky to survive. I arrested twice in the ambulance and once in A&E before they were able to stabilise me.”
Despite already being a keen swimmer (he swam his first mile at 11), Andrew said the accident reaffirmed his love for the activity especially as using his prosthetic took a toll on his body.
He now goes open water swimming in Hoveringham on a regular basis.
“I just sort of realised last year It was the best way to get a bit fitter and stronger and lose a bit of weight, as opposed to cycling.
“I just love swimming. And swimming outdoors, there’s just something about it. Everybody’s like ‘you’re mad, you’re crazy’ but that’s something I’ve latched onto now and it’s part of a way of life.”
Next year’s route from Donaghadee to Portpatrick is 21 miles, however Andrew said variables such as the tide and weather could force the team to swim as far as 40 miles.
He has taken much inspiration from his Nottingham hero, Tom Blower, who became the first person to successfully swim the route in 1947.
“I bought the book on his swim and it inspired me even more.”
He added that he hopes to mirror the Hyson Green-born swimmer and train in the River Trent once he starts serious preparation in the new year.
Ella Peacock, one of Andrew’s step-daughters, recalled the moment he casually mentioned he would be swimming the channel.
“He just dropped it into conversation one day like it was normal,” said the 21-year-old university student.
“I was like, ‘sorry what? this needs a proper conversation.’ He’s overcome a lot in his life and he’s incredibly strong, he just continues to take on challenges.
“I’m really proud of him. I’ve found him a massive inspiration.
“He wouldn’t like to admit it but he isn’t young, and he’s still fitter than me.”