Claire Hayward will swim across the Solent from Lymington to Yarmouth on Saturday 18 July 2009 in a bid to raise money for Champion Behaviours. The event will attract media attention as one of her fellow swimmers will be television sports presenter Gabby Logan and the 60 participants will be accompanied by 10 safety boats whose drivers have worked on the James Bond films.
Claire is due to begin a two year A level course this September which she hopes will lead her into a career in the sports industry. She has swum with the East Dorset Open Water Club for four years and is also a member of Bournemouth Dolphins. A keen rower for Christchurch Rowing Club, Claire is also preparing for her first regatta this summer.
Claire came an outstanding third in the world cold water championships in 2008 and in the UK championships this year won both the 30m and 450m freestyle in a water temperature of 3°C. “I’m planning to take part in the world cold-water championships in Slovenia next year. It’s so cold there they have to crack the ice beforehand!”
Video of Claire in Lane 1 at the World Championships (37s flashplayer required to view)
Anyone wishing to support Claire in her swim can find sponsor forms at club sessions and Sandy Balls Holiday Park, where she is an activities leader during her spare time. To cheer her on, you will need to be at Lymington marina by the seawater pool for the 7.30am start.
More information on the charity supported by the event can be found on www.championbehaviours.com a local charity set up to deliver workshops to young people in danger of exclusion from school and society in order to reduce anti-social behaviour and encourage them to become valued community members.