Channel Swimmer Hoping For £20K Charity Boost

Wednesday, 31 July 2019 13:57

A Jersey-born swimmer is hoping his latest energy-sapping feat will raise £20,000 for the Brain Tumour Charity.

Alex Begg swam the English Channel in 11 hours last week, after two years of intense preparation.

That's not too far behind the record by an islander - set by Richard Flambard who took 10 hours and 20 minutes in 1989.

Alex was supposed to start on the Saturday, but it was delayed until last Tuesday because of the conditions.

"The most important thing was to make sure I got to the other side. I'll look back with a lot of pride and fond memories.

"I was so happy to get there. I'm now looking forward to relaxing and spending some time on the island in a couple of weeks' time."

He took on the challenge to raise money for the Brain Tumour Research Charity, a cause close to his family's heart.

Just over £8,500 has been raised so far.

Alex explains why this means so much to him.

"My wife's late father passed away well before his time due to a brain tumour. I've also had a friend just 28 who has had two operations and my grandma dying at just 45. I've got lots of ties to the disease.

"This is a very small step to getting better solutions and better treatments."

You can donate to Alex's JustGiving page by clicking here.

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