Today, in my continued absence, Hazel had the privilege of meeting Chris Hunt’s parents, Mr Charles and Mrs Marguerite Hunt, while they attended Havant & Waterlooville Swimming Club’s commemorative annual charity event at Horizon Leisure Centre in Waterlooville.
Since the death of their Master swimmer 44 yr old son during a training session in 2007, each year there is a “challenge” to swim the English Channel using butterfly stroke which was Chris’ favourite stroke. This year approx 100 swimmers of all ages supported this charity event to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation, the charity chosen by Chris’ parents.
Hazel found it exciting watching the non-stop relay taking place in the pool’s eight lanes and to see the number of lengths achieved constantly increasing eg after 90 minutes, 39.95 miles had been achieved and the total journey to/from France is only 42 miles or 2,704 lengths of the 25m pool ! When France was reached, “La Marseillaise” was played (France’s National Anthem) and on return arrival to the UK “God Save the Queen” was played (our National Anthem) which all added to the fun and authenticity of this fantastic event.
After 110 minutes the Challenge ended, resulting with 56.59 miles or 3,643 lengths having been achieved. This equates to/from France and almost entirely around the Isle of Wight which was another favoured area to swim enjoyed by the late Chris Hunt.
We hope everyone enjoyed this special event and that much money was raised for the British Heart Foundation – let’s hope it’s the best to date ! Thank you for inviting us to share the experience and I confirm my apologies for being unable to be there personally.
If anyone is interested in joining Havant and Waterlooville Swimming Club, may we suggest initially visiting the Club’s website www.handwsc.co.uk
