Channel swim a show of Concern by Swift

THIS 20-year-old is hoping to make a French connection by becoming one of the youngest swimmers to make their way across the English channel.

Jim Swift will try to live up to his name when he dives into the waters off Dover on Saturday. From there, he begins his 11-hour swim towards Callais in an effort to raise funds for Concern’s Southern Africa Famine Appeal.

His starting time and course will depend on the weather and tides, but his path will probably mirror that of the ferry which crosses daily between the two points.

The Waterford man has been eating nothing but meat for weeks, building up protein levels. He’s now feasting on pasta, building up his carbohydrate and energy levels. It’s all part of his meticulous training regime.

“I’ve pasta coming out me ears at this stage,” he said.

“I’m eating it for breakfast, lunch and tea. I’ve been starving my body of carbs for the past few weeks.

“Now that it has them, it will store them up, giving me loads of energy.

“I’ll have a small trawler along side me all the way, but I’m not allowed to touch the boat or the people on board.

“My father, Declan, and my brother, Larry, who’s 23, will be in the boat, cheering me on.

“The whole course and time it’ll take me depends on the weather. It’s 26 miles in all. If I need to stop, I’ll just have to float or tread water.

“I’m only allowed on the boat if I get into trouble. I’ll be able to take liquid food en route, probably watered down honey. It’ll keep my energy up. I expect to lose anything between half and a full stone on the swim.”

Jim has been training hard for this swim for more than a year. He’s been swimming in the pool daily and building up his muscle and reserves.

Last summer, he swam 10 miles from Dunmore East to Tramore. This is his biggest challenge.

“Every summer, I set myself a goal. This is the ultimate challenge. I’ve been building up to this. I am a small bit apprehensive. You’d have to be, taking on a feat like this. I don’t know what I’ll do next if I manage this one.”

He hopes it will raise several thousand euro for the Concern Africa Famine Appeal.

“I’ve raised around 2,000 already. Anyone who wants to support the fund can do so through the Bank of Ireland in Tramore. Their sort code is 90-47-04 and the account number is 75091621.”