‘Incredible’ effort by Littlehampton teenager to thank baby unit
The 13-year-old put everything on the line during a gruelling 10-mile swim – a distance which was twice as far as his previous furthest distance of four miles.
The Littlehampton Academy student swam 600 lengths, non-stop, for an impressive six hours 40 minutes, raising more than £1,300 for Worthing Hospital’s special care baby unit – which had helped to save his life when he was born six weeks premature.
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Hide AdRyan admitted he almost gave in at times during his epic test of endurance at the Littlehampton Swimming and Sports Centre.
“It was really difficult. On the seventh mile I didn’t think I could make it,” he said.
Ryan added he couldn’t have accomplished the swim without the “incredible” support of his family – particularly his grandparents who helped him with his fund-raising.
His mum, Anita, was overwhelmed by her son’s mettle. She said: “We couldn’t be any more proud.
“It was such an incredible accomplishment.
“But his younger brother, Luke, was a star too, helping collect all day.”
Ryan’s total is predicted to exceed £1,500 by the end of the month.
He thanked everyone who supported him.