Variety Club - The Children's Charity

British Trio set new British record in hazardous Straits of Gibraltar swim

08th July 2008

A team of three British students has successfully swum the entire length of the Straits of Gibraltar, unaided in three hours and 38 minutes setting a new British record.

The team from Oxford University completed this dangerous open water challenge in aid of the Variety Club charity. And even beat the time set by Little Britain star David Walliams and Olympic champion James Cracknell earlier this year by nearly an hour.

The Oxford Blues, Lennard Lee, Harry Fisher and Nicholas Berry were backed in their endeavour by Gibraltar based Close & Marrache Limited who are sponsors of the charity.

The students faced even more adversity than usual, as they also had to contend with a pod of killer whales following them on the final stage of their swim.

Duncan Goodhew, one of Britain’s best known Olympic athletes and a long-time supporter of the charity acknowledged the extent of the students’ success.

“This is an incredible achievement for them.  To be able to swim 22 kilometres across open water in one of the most perilous stretches of sea in the world is a fantastic challenge in itself, let alone setting a new British record.  The students displayed real drive in their training and were passionate about helping what is a truly worthy charity.”

Lennard Lee said: “This was the toughest challenge that each of us had set ourselves and we are over the moon to have successfully undertaken such a feat.  Knowing that all our efforts have helped raise money for many children in need means so much to us all.”

Isaac Marrache, spokesperson for Close & Marrache Limited and chairman of Variety Club Gibraltar added: “We were impressed from the start by the students’ determination and commitment to undertake this difficult swim.  We’re delighted that they have not only succeeded in completing this challenge but have done so in such a remarkable time.”

The trio have so far raised over £1,600 for the children’s charity, the Variety Club and look forward to seeing their hard work being turned into tangible benefits for the recipients of the charity. 

Ronnie Nathan, International Vice President for the Variety Club, said: “This is a fantastic achievement.  By undertaking this strenuous task, these young gentlemen have shown that nothing is insurmountable.  Their commitment is an inspiration to us all and the vital funds raised will enable Variety to continue working with children needing its help.”

Anyone wishing to make a donation should visit: www.justgiving.com/gibstraits.