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A local man known as the Sea Donkey is launching a marathon swimming challenge to raise funds towards making the Bathing Pools more accessible.
Adrian Sarchet will undertake a 24-hour sea swim in August and is encouraging others to take part in the challenge alongside him.
He will attempt to complete a total of 41 miles by swimming laps of the Ladies’ Pool in aid of Vive La Vallette, which is undertaking an ambitious landmark redevelopment of the historic Pools at the southern end of Town.
The project includes making the Ladies' Pool accessible to wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility.
Video: Adrian Sarchet has undertaken several extreme swimming challenges around the world.
There will be an opportunity for corporate teams, social teams and individuals to swim alongside Mr Sarchet for one hour slots.
“Swimming in the sea has, quite literally, transformed my life for the better and I want each member of the Bailiwick community to have the same opportunity,” said Mr Sarchet.
“Vive La Vallette’s redevelopment of the Bathing Pools has access for all and inclusivity at the heart of its fundraising initiative. The installation of a step-free, assisted-access ramp into the Ladies' Bathing Pool is the ultimate expression of those ideals.”
Mr Sarchet is one of only 21 people in the world to complete the Oceans Seven challenge, a swimming feat comparable to the Seven Summit challenge in mountaineering. He is the subject of an award-winning documentary about one of his swims - from Northern Ireland to Scotland.
“I have swum all around the globe over the last decade, but this time I’m swimming at home," said Mr Sarchet. "Come and swim with me."
Pictured: Vive La Vallette hopes more people will use the Bathing Pools once the redevelopment is complete.
The new facilities at the Bathing Pools will benefit anyone who is currently prevented from accessing the pool, including parents with small children requiring pushchair access, swimmers with a disability or mobility impediment or older members of the community.
There will also be improved access to the changing rooms and café.
Overall, the redevelopment project is expected to cost around £1.5million.
Vive La Vallette Community Lead Helen Bonner-Morgan hopes the swimming challenge will appeal to islanders.
“The Sea Donkey Challenge will be a one-off fundraising event to support this community asset and we hope that it will capture the imagination of many,” she said.
“We are immensely grateful to the organisations who have already donated funds towards the assisted access facilities, including exceptionally generous and significant donations from the Friends of the Vallette LBG, the John Ramplin Charitable Trust and the Guernsey Community Foundation.”
Pictured: Vive La Vallette hopes to open the redeveloped community space this year.
The swimming challenge will take place 15:00 on 20 August to 15:00 on 21 August.
Prospective teams are encouraged to register early via Race Nation HERE.
Donations can be made by non-participants via Sportsgiving HERE.
More information about the Sea Donkey Challenge is available on the Vive La Vallette website HERE.
Pictured: Express recently published a podcast which looked further into the development at the Bathing Pools. You can listen to the podcast HERE.
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