On the 7/9/2023 I stood on the pier in Baltimore harbour looking out at the flat calm water. The water was up to my ankles, and I was ready. My Fastnet swim was about to start, and I was nervous. My crew, Kieran (skipper), Nathan (observer) Alex, Adrian and Sinead were all set. Kieran blew the hooter and off I went. Underneath the beacon I swam, and all was going well. Pilot boat alongside me and I was swimming the Fastnet. Tiny bit of a swell from the east picked up and it was tough adjusting, but I kept my head down and my crew were willing me on. I got sick at around halfway point because the swell caused the feeds not to settle in me, and eventually it all came up in a sea of purple Miwaidi. My crew were there to help me out and they did and kept me going and then the Fastnet lighthouse came into my view. It is an iconic sight, and I put my head down and I was not going to be beaten. I swam away and the lighthouse became bigger and bigger. Then I was looking up at it from the water and the towering lighthouse above me. What a sight and feeling to have swum from Baltimore to the Fastnet. It is a truly an experience I will never forget.
Thanks to my amazing crew who made it possible, especially Kieran and Nathan who did not hesitate to allow me to swim even with my mobility issues. My swim buddy and training partner for the year Brian Foster.
