A fanatical fundraiser from Swansea is once again preparing to dive into the icy waters of the Bristol Channel as he attempts a double crossing, swimming from Penarth to Weston-super-Mare and back to raise money for a local disabled boy.
Key Facts
Gethin Jones (38) is swimming from Penarth to West-super-Mare and back
The Bristol Channel has the second largest tide in the World
He is raising money for the Cieran Jones Appeal
The swim is a total of 32 km
A support boat will float alongside Gethin as he swims but he will not be allowed to touch it
Gethin will only be wearing trunks, a swimming hat and goggles
National charity, Caudwell Children, are supporting the Jones family fundraising
Cieran's family are trying to raise £60,000 to pay for Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy treatment in the USA
Gethin Jones (38) has become renowned for his heroic swimming challenges, after last year successfully completing a swim from Ilfracombe to Swansea Bay.
He is now preparing to tackle the immense tides and treacherous currents on a 32km swim to raise money for Cieran Jones, a four-year-old from Port Talbot who is raising money for specialist treatment in the USA.
Cieran, who has Cerebral Palsy and lives in Port Talbot with twin brother, Connor and Mum and Dad, Emma and Neil Jones is raising money to pay for Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy treatment at the St Louis Children’s Hospital.
Cieran suffers from Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy; a type of brain damage which affects his mobility and means he has to use a wheelchair or walking frame. The ground-breaking Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy treatment is currently only available in the United States and releases muscle tension in Cerebral Palsy sufferers, allowing some patients to walk independently for the first time.
Gethin is preparing to set off on his latest swimming challenge on Thursday 5th August. He will be swimming under strict Channel swimming rules, which means wearing just Speedos, goggles, swim cap and a smile! He won’t be allowed to touch the support boat for the duration of the swim and food will be handed to him to eat in the water.
To support Gethin and his fundraising challenge please visit www.justgiving.com/geths2wayswimforcieran. All of the money raised is being collected by national charity, Caudwell Children, who will pay the hospital in the USA directly. For more information about Cieran’s Appeal contact Ben Sutcliffe at the charity on 01782 600114.
Quotes
It is really heart wrenching to consider the prospect of operation after operation and endless stays in hospital for my beautiful little boy, and that is what is in store if we don’t get him the treatment in the USA. Like any Mum, I want to give my sons the best life possible. It is my dream to see my two lads playing football together and I’m incredibly grateful for everything people are doing to help us.
Following the success of last year’s swim I wanted to find a local cause I could support, I asked for people to contact me and when I heard about young Cieran’s appeal I was eager to help them.
