A swimmer is looking to finish an open water challenge that has taken him from Surrey lakes to Africa, mainland Europe and Epsom Hospital.
Mick Helps began taking on three of Europe’s toughest swims last year to raise money for the British Heart Foundation and to honour his dead friend and water polo captain.
In May 2016 Mick swam the eight-mile Gibraltar Straits, before taking on the English Channel in both directions while battling high winds that dragged him so far off course he end up swimming more than 90 miles.
From August 2016: Epsom swimmer Mickey Helps to tackle British Channel to raise money for British Heart Foundation
From September 2016: Epsom swimmer Mickey Helps takes on two legs of English Channel to raise money for British Heart Foundation
After struggling against the winds for more than 40 hours, he ended up unconscious in the water about a mile off the south coast of England.
Suffering from respiratory problems having swallowed too much water in the British Channel, Mick, from Longdown Lane North, Epsom, was forced to take on the final swim he had scheduled last year.
But at the end of next month, he will take on the third swim of the trilogy – the Dardanelles Strait which separate European Turkey from Asian Turkey.
The three-mile swim in warmer waters is perhaps, but Mick said he is not complacent, and is not treating it as a victory lap.
He has been swimming in the indoor pool at Epsom District Swimming Club at Victoria Place as well as in Shepperton Lake near Staines to prepare.
“Last year I was firing on all cylinders,” Mick said, “but I can’t say I am now.
“I feel a bit reserved about how much I can push it, but I’m confident I can do it.”
He added: “These are iconic swims and I’m fortunate enough to have the ability and the opportunity to do them.”
From April 2016: Epsom swimmer Mickey Helps to take on three of Europe's toughest swims for British Heart Foundation
A keen swimmer since childhood, and a keen water polo player, Mick is swimming for his former captain and long-time friend Mark Shepherd, 53, who died from a heart attack in January 2016.
He hopes to raise £15,000 for the British Heart Foundation.
Mick said: “I have to keep reminding myself of the reason I’m doing it: ‘There’s something much bigger you’re helping’.
“I’m really pleased with how the fundraising’s going. I’d like to help with whatever I can give to the British Heart Foundation and to keep Mark in everyone’s memories.
“I know his family still miss him. He was such a big character.”
For more information, or to donate, visit thehelps.co.uk
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