strait Swimming for Charity

Two Gibraltar based traders from Refco Trading Services are currently in training to swim across the Gibraltar Strait from Spain to Morocco in aid of Cancer Research UK.

Stuart Hedlev and Dave Kaemmerlen intend to complete the 18-22 kilometre crossing at the beginning of September this year. Hedley, a previous non-regular swimmer, started training in No vember 2004. Prior to the crossing he believes he will have swum 15,(HK) laps of the Gibraltar indoor pool, translating to 375 kilometres, or 160 hours. On top of this, open water training will amount to a fur ther 40 hours.

'This is going to be a massive or deal for me and I won't have swum this distance in open water prior to the attempt in September,' says Hedlev. 'According to the records of the Gibraltar Strait Swimming Association, only 124 people have completed the swim under the same rules (basically no wetsuit and no shark cage). This is a rela tively small number compared to other endurance events such as swimming the English Channel, which has been completed by 600 people, and climbing Mount Ever est, which has been achieved by over 1000,' he added.

Kaemmerlen, previously a col lege swimmer for Tufts University, Connecticut,is currently resting an injured shoulder but fully intends to be fit before September.

The pair have so far been pledged over £50,000 for Cancer Research UK and believe they should be able to raise as much as £75,000 in total. 'We chose Cancer Research U K as the beneficiary due to family members and friends who have suffered and those who are currently battling with the disease. We arc fundraising in conjunction with the local branch of Cancer Re search UK,'said Hedley.

Further details of the swim can be found at website www.straitswim05.com and direct donations can be made on-line at the Just Giving website www.justgiving.co.uk/ straitswim05

On the Golden Trail

As this magazine hits the street a group of young Gibraltarians from the Duke of Edinburgh'sAward Of)en Award Centre will be arrriving back in Gibraltar after travelling to the hills of Luxembourg to complete their qualifying Gold Expedition. The6 participants,between 17 and 18 years old, travelled to Luxembourg on 19''' July to complete what for most participants is the most arduous part of the Award Programme,the Gold Expe dition. The expedition entailed walking 80 kilometres over four days with three nights spent under canvas.

For more information about the expedition or the Award please contact the Director, Michael Pizzarello on 59818 or email mjpizza@gibtelecom.net