Matt Holland and Ellie Tanguy took a different slant on the usual ‘30 Bays in 30 Days’ Les Bourgs Hospice fundraiser, which runs throughout July.
Starting at the bathing pools at about 9.30am, Mr Holland ran anticlockwise from bay to bay, making a splash in each one with a minimum of 30 freestyle strokes.
Mr Holland was inspired to take on the challenge after seeing the care that the hospice staff provided for his mother Sam, who died of motor neurone disease earlier this year.
Cycling and swimming alongside him throughout the intensified challenge was Ellie Tanguy, who was one of the nurses involved in his mum’s care.
At their 13th bay, Grandes Rocques, the pair had doubled their original target funds of £1,000 to just over £2,000 at 4pm and were still feeling good and looking positive.
‘We’re coming up to the half marathon stage now,’ said Mr Holland.
‘There was a bit of fun swimming into the chop along the north coast but I’m feeling good.
‘The tough part is on my legs going from hot to cold, running then swimming.
‘I haven’t questioned why I started this yet, but I’ve still got time to have a moment on the south coast cliffs.’
Mr Holland said his family and a pint of Roquettes would be waiting for him at their final destination on the 47km route, Fermain Bay – a place that holds special meaning for them all.
‘My mum was a massive sea swimmer,’ he said.
‘She would have been firstly concerned by what I was doing taking on this challenge, but no doubt she would have joined me.’
The pair were joined by some of Sam’s friends, who jumped in for support at various bays, and a couple of volunteers helped at pit stops and carried the water, towels and most importantly – a fresh pair of socks and trainers for the longer running stints.
They completed their challenge at 9pm.
To donate go to www.justgiving.com and search ‘Matt Holland’.
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