Some of you will know that one of our dentists, Jim Laffety, has been training to swim the English Channel. I am excited to report that on Monday morning, 14th September 2020, at exactly 7am Jim landed (fairly!) safely on a secluded beach just east of Cap Gis Nez, having swum the 21 miles in 11 hours and 53 minutes, swimming all through the night alongside his pilot boat, High Hopes, with brother Ben and Michelle Hardy as his crew. The swim is awaiting ratification by the Channel Swimming and Piloting Federation.
Jim is raising money for Dentaid, a charity that provids free dental care in over 70 of the world’s poorest countries, as well as using mobile surgeries in the UK to provide care for vulnerable groups, including the homeless. Over £8,000 has been raied so far – Jim reports he is touched by how many people have generously donated, including complete strangers.
Donations would be gratefully received and can be made at www.uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JimLafferty2
There is little more about the swim here and here.
