Celebrities complete Irish Sea challenge

Ronan Keating and Jenny Frost led a 10-man relay team across the treacherous 56 miles of Irish Sea to raise money for Cancer Research UK last week.

The team – a mixture of celebrities and ‘everyday swimmers’ – reached Dublin in 35 hours and 18 minutes after setting off from Holyhead, North Wales at 9pm on 30 August 2011.

Click to view Press Association video.

Nikki Fraser (18) and Olly White (33) were invited to take part in the challenge after winning a two-day trial event in Brighton.

And Nikki, a member of Stocksbridge Pentaqua swimming club in Sheffield, said: “It was an incredible challenge but raising money to help beat cancer was the ultimate motivation. It was a win-win situation – I got to do something I really love while raising money for a worthwhile cause.

“I feel at home in the sea. The only thing I don’t like is jelly fish but I just tried to swim right past them.”

Meanwhile, Primary School teacher Olly – who completed a Channel swim in 11 hours, 43 minutes in 2005 – admitted he was expecting a tough challenge.

“I knew the Irish Sea was going to be rough and unpredictable but I’m very excited that I was able to accomplish something that I’d been working towards for a long time,” said Olly.

“It’s ironic because I was never the strongest swimmer as a child but these challenges have made me a much fitter, stronger swimmer the older I’ve become.”

Further information about The Swim for Cancer Research UK can be found at www.the-swim.co.uk.

People can sponsor Nikki at www.virginmoneygiving.com/NikkiFraser.

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