As I type, Ronan Keating, Jenny Frost (used to be in Atomic Kitten, currently prefers to be called a "presenter"), Pamela Stephenson (Billy Connolly's very intelligent wife), Jason Bradbury (he's into gadgets apparently), and Steve Parry (he'll be alright, what with him having an Olympic medal for swimming) are thrashing across the Irish sea in the hopes of raising £1million for cancer research.
First into the water at Holyhead at 9pm last night, was Mr. Keating. According to The Irish Times: "The team, supported by five 'super swimmers', had been due to set off at lunchtime today, but favourable weather led organisers to bring the event forward by 15 hours. As darkness fell at 9pm, hundreds of people clapped and cheered at the little harbour at Holyhead Sailing Club as Keating, wearing a black wet suit, pink swimming cap and flippers, made the sign of the cross and took his first step into the water."
Just in case you thought they were all swimming across the Irish sea in tandem, they're taking turns - which some might say is cheating, but it's a wise more given it's approximately 131 kilometres from Holyhead to Dublin. The Times continues: "Once at sea, each of the 10 participants will take turns swimming for one hour until the arduous task is complete after an estimated 40 hours. As well as swimming long hours through the night in darkness, they will also have to dodge wind farms and cope with tidal variations."
The idea for the event was devised by Keating and Sir Richard Branson, who had to pull out due to that unfortunate bother involving his Carribbean island retreat going up in flames, thanks to a rogue lightening bolt.
All those partaking in the event have lost loved ones to cancer. In addition to Keating, both Jenny Frost and Pamela Stephenson saw their mothers die of the disease, while Steve Parry was diagnosed with testicular cancer a year and a half ago.
If you wish to donate, you can do so at the-swim.co.uk/
