A Westbury man has completed an extraordinary 151-mile swimming challenge, clocking up miles for over a year to raise money for charity.
George Daniel swam a total of 151 miles, covering lengths at every council-run pool in Wiltshire. He took on the challenge to support Dogs Trust and Cancer Research UK, finishing his final mile at Westbury Swimming Pool recently.
He said, “I wanted to try and do something for a good cause and thought this could be a new challenge. There were two charities which I raised money for, the Dog’s Trust and Cancer Research UK. I chose ones which needed the most support.
“It was February last year when I started the challenge, and since then I’ve swam two days a week, mainly on Wednesdays and Saturdays. I’m not actually exhausted after all the miles! I plan to carry on swimming.”
George, who has autism and lives in a care home in Westbury, hopes his achievement will inspire others with additional needs to take on their own challenges.
“Am I an inspiration to people with autism? Yes, I am,” he said. “This challenge has meant the world to me, and I hope others see that anything is possible.
“I would like to say thank you very much to everyone who has given me support and donated money to the two charities I picked. Long may they both continue to do great work.”
Throughout his journey, George documented each swim with photos at different pools.
Sharon Edney, manager of George’s care home, said, “George is a human dynamo when it comes to physical challenges. This fundraiser has taken incredible focus and effort, and we are all so proud of his determination and kindness.”
Those wishing to support George’s chosen charities can donate directly to Dogs Trust or Cancer Research UK.
