Newly recruited FOGL, Hugh Thacker tells us how he’s got involved again with the Lido after 25 years away and how it’s playing a key part in his training for a solo attempt at swimming the Channel this September in aid of 2 charities.
On the 1st May I headed off to Guildford for an early morning radio interview with BBC Surrey regarding my upcoming “Channel Swim” attempt. I decided that after my interview I would head down to Guildford Lido to train for a couple of hours, as this was the first day it was open to the public this year.
Whilst in my car and listening to BBC Surrey Radio, I heard of the charity “Channel swim” organised by Jim and so on arrival at the Lido I thought I would go and introduce myself. I was made very welcome by those involved, and was subsequently invited to join in with the task of completing the channel distance. Amongst so many fantastic and dedicated swimmers, I thought I’d better rise to their challenge and offered to complete 6km for them.
Although not the fastest of swimmers, I did “grind out” my 120 lengths and continued to do a few more to complete a 2 hour training swim. The pool was fantastic, the water warm and fantastic quality and the weather held out (I didn’t even notice that it rained for a period of time whilst I was swimming).
I was immediately captivated by the Lido, and although not swimming there since a child (over 25 years) I knew I would be back very soon. True to my word, I have found the early morning opening times great for when I’m not trudging around a lake. Mondays and Fridays at 6.30, the pool is quiet (well at least at the moment) and great for carrying out various sprints, stroke technique and long distance sets without bumping into people. And the showers are lovely and warm……….Hugh.
We are very pleased that Hugh is supporting and enjoying the Lido and even more pleased to help Hugh in any way we can to boost his fundraising for his 2 chosen charities:
CICRA – Crohn’s In Childhood Research Association and the NACC – National Association of Colitis and Crohn’s
If you would like to know more about Hugh’s big swim, please visit www.hughsbigswim.com
Hugh has kindly agreed to keep us up to date on his training over the next few months, check the link on the right for further news.
Hugh is now a regular Monday and Friday morning exhibit at the Lido. He’s got a stroke that’s strong and efficient and can get him across and he is working hard during the week in the Lido and local pools. At weekends he is with the many wannabees at Dover.
If you are in the Lido Mondays and Fridays he is the one grinding out the lengths in the white hat with the cross of St George. Wish him well – every word of encouragement will help him along the way!
| May 17, 2010 @ 9:29 pm