lenny thompson
lenny's page
Fundraising for Cystic Fibrosis Trust
Story
Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
MY TENACIOUS SWIM
Hi All,
I am pleased to report my swim was successful.
It took place on 15th march around 10 am local time off the British Virgin Islands at Virgin Gorda
My swim was conditional by J.S.T for safety reasons. Therefore, I had a buddy with me and a stand by boat.
Steve, the bosun of the tenacious accompanied me, he did not assist me in anyway apart from making sure i did not slide under the hull of the ship as the wind was pushing me toward it on the first half of my swim.
You will also notice from the video my arm is in a sling .
Unknowing to me i sustained a broken shoulder due to a heavy fall whilst in New Zealand 1 week before.
I only found out when i returned to the UK after x-rays.
I wondered why my arm was a bit painful. Anyway, it all adds to the excitement and fun of doing it, my swim was followed by my mast climb.
Part one
Part two
I would like to take this opportunity of thanking all that have donated to the various charity and those that have pledged monies(i hope soon turn into donations)
Special thanks go to:
Jubilee Sailing Trust, for allowing me to swim
Bahrain Rugby Club.
The crew of the Tenacious.
My pal Jingle's (my buddy for the trip),and his patience with me.
The "Tot" club of Antigua (had fun guys & gals)
Aft Port watch team for the singing
Mel’s jumper
But most of all the people who have donated or pledged for the encouraging comments on my justgiving pages
Apologies for those i have forgotten to thank.
Best Regards,
Len Thompson
email: lenethompson@live.co.uk
skype: lenethompson
Hi Everyone, video appeal http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=dL0S8nLj3iI
Having spent over 26 years working in and around the Middle East and Africa, with only one week from my retirement in Bahrain, I suffered a stroke in July 2009, leaving me paralyzed down my left side.
With encouragement from my long suffering wife Patricia, 2 years on and approaching old age fast, I am able to walk short distances with a stick, although I no longer have use of my left arm.
Being a lover of the sea, in March 2012 I will be flying to Antigua to participate in a 15 day sailing voyage from Antigua to the Bahamas on the aptly named Tall Ship ‘Tenacious’.
‘Tenacious’ is owned by the jubilee trust www.jst.org.uk. It is a square-rigger ship, uniquely designed to accommodate both able-bodies and physically disabled people. I will be participating in many tasks on the voyage including swabbing the decks, cooking, setting the sails and helming.
Having booked my flight and passenger voyage (TNS 337) I realize it is a good opportunity to give something back and say a big thank you to my friends in Bahrain who helped me and my wife Patricia through a very difficult time. I will, therefore, be attempting to raise funds for Cystic Fibrosis.
THE CHALLENGE
I will be attempting to swim unaided around the ‘Tenacious’ in open water approx 250 metres.
A challenge for able bodied swimmers but with only one functioning arm and limited use in my leg there is a risk I may swim around in circles! Some would say I played my rugby that way!!
Although the swim will be a challenge I am aiming to enjoy the experience of raising money for a deserving cause, and trying out my new Speedos.
I will be logging an account of my challenge along with photographs and video to produce an informative account of my time on board as part of the Tenacious’s crew.
I hope you feel able to support one of this worthwhile charity and enjoy some entertainment at my expense!
Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go. T.S.ELIOT
Special thanks to:
Herby & The Usual Suspects, Doctor Sammy Gouda of the Bahrain International Hospital, Annie & Kevan Riley for the use of their pool in Bahrain and France.
Pledge/donation forms are available by emailing me, Lenny Thompson at >tenatiousswim@groups.live.com or lenethompson@live.co.uk
Best wishes,
Lenny Thompson
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