Huge congratulations to Paul Egan for taking on a massive wild swimming challenge in aid of Autism Together.
Paul swam 3.7 miles across Bala Lake in North Wales – the longest natural lake in Wales – raising £850 for our charity.
His son, also called Paul (pictured with sign, below), accesses our services at Raby CVS and Gallagher House, where the funds are to be split.
Paul, a trained lifeguard, was aiming to complete the gruelling swim in under 3 hours, and managed it in a fantastic 2 hours and 35 minutes! Paul said: “We smashed it!”
The epic swim was not without its dangers. Apart from the tiredness involved in swimming that far, Paul had to manage the cold temperatures of the glacial lake, which extends down to depths of up to 138ft.
And, along with the giant pike that thrive in the dark waters, there is a legend that Teggie – a prehistoric creature and Wales’ answer to the Loch Ness Monster – patrols the depths.
Fortunately Paul made it across the lake unscathed, though he reserved special thanks to his friend Billy Girvan for providing vital support during the swim. Billy rowed alongside Paul in the support boat, acting as spotter and photographer too! Paul said: “If it wasn’t for Billy, none of this would have been possible.”
Pictured above top (l-r) is Billy, Paul and Chloe Jones from Autism Together’s Fundraising team.
Paul is now considering an even bigger challenge next summer. Watch this space…
If you’d like to undertake a fundraising challenge for us, just call Chloe Jones on 0151 334 7510
