Where do I begin. Let me start by introducing myself. Myname is Christopher Leek, I’m 28 years old and I live in Kent with mygirlfriend Charlotte and our Cocker Spaniel “Parker”.

I am choosing to embark on the challenge of a lifetime byswimming the English Channel Solo in Aug 2016. The funny thing about it is Iam scared of fish, seaweed freaks me out and thinking about the amount ofJellyfish in the English Channel makes my stomach turn.

So your probably already thinking why on earth have I chosento set myself this challenge. Well since I can remember swimming has been apassion, but at the age of 15, I broke my arm and post recovery, I could notget my strength back. It was only last year when I completed the Iron ManChallenge in Bolton that I found my excitement for this sport again.

Now you know a bit about me your probably wondering whichCharity and more importantly who I am doing this for?

Well I’m doing it for the person who taught me courage,confidence and inspired me to be the person I am today – My Dad. Diagnosed withParkinson’s over 11 years ago, it’s made me determined to raise awareness ofthis awful disease, furthermore it has made me passionate to bring together thefamily and friends that are left caring for loved ones to motivate them tofight on. The money raised will go towards the research required to help find acure.

The swim startsat or near Shakespeare’s Cliff, Dover, in the early hours one morning andshould finish at or near Cap Gris Nez (between Boulogne and Calais) some 14-16  hours later. I will have GPS tracking so thatyou can monitor my progress on the day as we attempt to dodge the ferries,tankers and empty beer bottles in what is the busiest shipping lane in theworld. We are doing this following the guidance and rules of the Channel Swimmingand Pilot Federation you can find out more from their site athttp://cspf.co.uk/

I urge you to please spread the word by sharing my blog. Ihave set myself a stretching £15K target to raise for this terrible disease. Ihope you enjoy keeping up to date with my blog, and please if you ever feellike joining me in the pool, lake or sea let me know, fish don’t hold greatconversations!