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Seven straight swim marathons for Jersey surgeon

Credit: Jersey Lifeboat Association

A 65-year-old Jersey surgeon starts seven consecutive swimming marathons today (Sunday 27 September).

Mark Whyman, who has worked as a surgeon at the hospital for the last five years, is raising money for the Jersey Lifeboat Association.

He'll cover 10,000 metres each day, the equivalent of 400 lengths of Les Quennevais Pool, having only done the daily distance once before.

Mark said:

"I don’t get a great deal of me to give back to the community, so when I thought of undertaking this crazy series of swims from the 27th of September to the 3rd of October I decided to raise some money for a local good cause.

"People who work to save lives at sea are incredibly brave,” said Mark. “My friends and I are often in the sea and are very safety conscious, so supporting the JLA felt like a natural choice.

"The JLA relies heavily on fundraising to provide training for its crew and to purchase and maintain the equipment needed to carry out rescue missions. I very much hope that people will join me in supporting the JLA and helping to fund its training and infrastructure."

Mark has taken a week of annual leave in order to take on the challenge.

He added:

"I’ve only ever done one pool marathon before, and never seven. It was exhausting and painful, and the boredom really messed with my mind. I’m not sure whether I’m looking forward to this or dreading it, but one way or another I’m determined to get it done.

"If I can raise awareness of the JLA and encourage people to rally round and support this great cause, then all those lengths will be worth it."

The funds will go towards the JLA's work to providing training and maintaining the equipment and infrastructure needed to respond to emergencies at sea.

More from Jersey News from Channel 103

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