A Fakenham fundraiser is taking on a challenging marathon length swim to raise money for two local charities.
Richard Crook, a volunteer for Active Fakenham, is planning to swim a marathon throughout November in support of First Focus and Active Fakenham.
Mr Crook, aged 62, said: “I am, for the first time, doing a sponsored something.
“This is for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it’s for two good causes and secondly, because I am going into hospital soon for an operation, to have a new hip, and I need to get a bit fitter, so this challenge will be an added incentive.”
He said: “The only activity I can now do is swimming.
“I’ve always been quite sporty - tennis, football, running - but I can’t even cycle now.
“I though I’d put all the swims together for a good cause - which is why I’ve called it a ‘Marathon in a Month’.
“I’ve raised around £370 so far, which will go to things like the Fakenham music festival and Forst Focus Fakenham.”
The total distance Mr Crook will swim is 26 miles, 385 yards, 42.195km, or 1,688 lengths of the 25m pool.
He started the challenge on November 1, and completed 112 lengths, which equates to 1.7 miles.
He added: “I’m not the sort who can swim mile after mile, and I have to do it all front crawl. I can’t do breaststroke because of my hip.”
First Focus is a community information and social centre in Fakenham. It aims to enable people who are disadvantaged by illness, lack of confidence, cost, disability, caring responsibilities, and bereavement to become more self-sufficient, confident, and integrated within the community.
Active Fakenham is a community group that works with local clubs, organisations and businesses. The group initiate, organise and promote activities that enrich the health and wellbeing of residents and visitors of Fakenham.
Mr Crook thanked his sponsors, including his family, for their support so far.
He will be posting regular updates on his progress with the marathon swim on the Active Fakenham website, Facebook, and Twitter.
You can support his fundraising challenge by donating here.
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