Pensioner preparing for record-breaking Channel swim
17 August 2011
A 70-year old retired breast cancer surgeon is preparing to become the oldest person to swim the English Channel later this month.
| Roger completed his challenge on 30th August - find out more here. |
Roger Allsopp will start his record breaking swim on 23rd / 24th August 2011, hoping to raise £750,000 for the purchase of cutting edge cancer research medical equipment at the University of Southampton.
Retirement is wonderful but I know how important it is to keep active in mind and body.
Allsopp is no stranger to pushing his body to the limit, having run the London Marathon 10 years ago and completed a successful Channel crossing in 2006.
The grandad of three will be 70 years and four months old for his 21 mile challenge, breaking former record holder George Brunstad's age of 70 years and four days from 2004.
And he admits maintaining a healthy lifestyle has allowed him to make the most of his retirement.
“I’ve never been one to sit on my laurels,” said Allsopp, who is aiming to break George Brunstad's record of 70 years and 4 days old.
“Retirement has been wonderful but I know how important it is to keep active in mind and body to live a healthy retirement.
“I set myself physical challenges to ensure I keep as fit and healthy as I can.
“This record breaking swim will hopefully raise a large proportion of the £750,000 that the University of Southampton requires in order to progress its cancer studies.”
Allsopp is being supported by Nutritional and wellbeing supplement company Healthspan who are aiming to raise £100,000 for the cause.
Chairman Derek Coates is also pledging £250,000 of his own wealth towards the fundraising.
To learn more about the swim, donate or track Roger’s journey, head to www.healthspan.co.uk/liveyounger.
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8.29am 18th August 2011
Phil Sears from Dorking SurreyGood luck Roger, may the tide be with you! As I am now just older than Roger’s current British age record across the Channel, 65yrs+, and having completed both 6 person and 3 person relay crossings in the last year, people have been saying I should go for the solo - AND the British age record! If Roger is successful, and I am sure he will be, it seems I am going to have to wait for another five years - at least for the latter! Maybe you have done me a favour Roger - all that preparation with Freda Streeter in Dover Harbour at the beginning of May with water below 10º!! All the very best for a good tide and good weather.
