A former Ashville College pupil will attempt to swim across the English Channel later this month to raise money for Parkinson’s UK and the Alzheimer’s Society.
The tough physical challenge will involve Richard Boyle swimming 35km in approximately 12 hours on 23rd September.
The former rugby player will cross from Samphire Hoe, in Dover, to Cap Gris–Nez, near Calais.
Richard has a fundraising target of £12,000. He has currently raised 89% of this amount.
Due to the closure of swimming baths during lockdown, Richard has been training in suitable outdoor stretches of water. Recently his hard work paid off when he completed an 18km swim in 6 hours.
Richard practicing for his big swim
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A few years ago, Richard had to give up rugby following a back injury. Focusing on a new sport has helped him to process this change.
The former Ashville pupil said:
“Taking up swimming has helped plug that gap, so I have signed up to swim the English Channel in September, which is one of the toughest open water swims going.”
This was as an opportunity for Richard to raise money for causes close to his heart. With his grandfather suffering from Alzheimer’s, and his godfather from Parkinson’s, he decided to fundraise to support them.
He told the Stray Ferret:
“Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s are two diseases which have touched my family. Both conditions are cruel and unrelenting. They strip those closest to you of characteristics which make them the person you know. I feel passionate about raising money to support them, and in doing so we will raise money to find a cure, help the people living with the illnesses, and also support their family and friends.”
Parkinson’s UK drives for better care, treatments and quality of life for those living with the disease. Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading dementia charity. They both campaign for change, fund research and support people living with dementia today.
Richard’s fundraising page can be found at: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RBchannelswim
