I'VE DONE IT - NEIL WALKER

I'VE DONE IT - NEIL WALKER

 

My challenge of swimming 3 miles has been completed, and what a fantastic one it was.

My first swim 10am Yellow wave was relatively easy, I took it steady and I finished in 29:03. I suffered a slight sore on the back of my neck due to the Velcro from my wetsuit that had rubbed quite bad. I attended the first aid tent and explained I had a further two waves to complete but they could not really offer any first aid or a solution to the problem.  The only solution was to ditch the wetsuit in time for my 2nd swim, which I did!!

12:35pm Green wave my second swim soon came round, so off I went.   I felt pretty good as I went around the course so decided to push myself for a better time and put a sprint in at the last 100 metres.    I had a slight twinge of cramp in my left calf so had to leave off kicking with my left leg but managed a time of 28:15.

2pm Purple wave  I had to make my way back to the start as I was due to set off again at 2pm for my last and final swim. I was very conscious of my calf with the cramp so I worked on the calf to try and prevent any further attack.  I was starting to feel a little tired by now and wished I hadn't pushed myself in the previous swim.  I had a friend join me in this wave to help spur me on.  I finished this race in 31.38

I want to thank you all for your support in sponsoring me; I will be collecting in the money in the next week or two.  I was hoping to raise a £1,000, but overall it looks more like £3,000.  The family are so overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity and the children have decided they would like to go to Ibiza in October.  This was the last family holiday they spent with their Mum and Dad.

Your contribution is greatly appreciated.

Donations can be made by contacting me via Diary of an open water swimmer - this blog, or facebook and i will direct you to the payment methods available - happy swimming folks!

SWIMMING FOR OTHERS! - NEIL WALKER

My Name is Neil Walker and I am attempting to swim three one-mile swims in Salford Quays on the 20^th July 2013 to raise money for a young family that have suffered the most unreal tragic circumstances.  This a story of a family, Robert (Dad) ,Rachel (Mum), Luke and Olivia Scholey from  Kimberworth Rotherham.

On the 9^th August 2011, tragically Robert died very suddenly of a ruptured bowel that had perforated which lead to septicaemia aged only 41 yrs. This was very sudden and shocked the community leaving a wife Rachel, Luke 11 yrs and Olivia 3 yrs.

Rachel was  so positive after Robert's death as she had to be for her two young children, bringing them up was not going to be easy for her but she  continued to lead a normal life taking Luke to football and bringing Olivia up and just being a fantastic and strong Mum.

Rachel eventually went back to work after Roberts’s death as a nurse at Rotherham Hospital when she started to feel unwell. Rachel had some tests  and on the 15^th May 2012 she was diagnosed with a grade 4 brain tumour.

This was devastating news and very hard to comprehend for the family and friends of Rachel, but she was extremely brave and accepted what she had. One thing Rachel did have was a very loving family and she was very close to her sister Karen and had lots of friends and work colleagues who were willing to help anyway they possibly could.

Rachel never asked how long she had to live so no one had any inclination and she continued to be very brave for Luke and Olivia.

As time went on Rachel began to deteriorate but continued with her treatment.

Suddenly on the 20^th May 2013 Rachel’s Dad Terry tragically died very suddenly leaving the family devastated and having to cope with his unfortunate death.

On the 25^th May 2013, Rachel lost her battle against Cancer aged 38 yrs leaving Luke now 13 yrs and Olivia 5 yrs  sister Karen, Family and friends and the community totally devastated.

Rachel was a loving caring Mum Auntie friend and would do anything to help others nothing was too much trouble for her.  Rachel never ever moaned  or complained about her illness she was just such a brave person.  It really is a privilege to have known Robert and Rachel Scholey.

Rachel’s sister Karen and husband Nigel now have taken care of Luke and Olivia also having a son of their own Lewis

I am raising money to send Karen, Nigel, and children on a family holiday that they more than deserve. I want to try to make a difference.

You too can make a difference by sponsoring me to complete the three one mile swims to help raise money.

Your contribution is greatly appreciated.

Donations can be made by contacting me via Diary of an open water swimmer - this blog, or facebook and i will direct you to the payment methods available - happy swimming folks!