Marathon swimmer begins his last epic challenge

A record-breaking marathon swimmer has embarked on what he says will be his final epic challenge — bidding to become the first person to swim the 80km from Ireland and Wales.

West Cork-based Steve Redmond, 48, who made history last year by becoming the first person to complete the gruelling Oceans Seven challenge, left Carnsore Point in Wexford just after 10pm last night on the 35-hour endurance swim in aid of the RNLI.