David Walliams braves The Currents (of the Thames)!
Friday, 2 September 2011
Some celebs do a lot of talking about good causes, fighting
injustice, charity, and generally 'giving something back.' Some,
arguably, talk about it too much (you know who you are - Bono and
Chris Martin). But thankfully there are a few British celebrities
who do less talking and more, well, doing. And just for clarity,
I'm not including in that bracket the ones who walk up a hill in
Africa while the locals carry their bags (you know who you are,
Denis Van Outen and co).
No, the one's who we like here at Undercurrent are the ones who
do something genuinely impressive, brave, foolhardy, and that
preferably come with a real risk of long term health problems.
Eddie Izzard did a good one with his 43 marathons in 51 days, which
was a staggering feat (no pun intended), and now, stepping (or
rather swimming) up to the plate, once again, is David
Walliams.
After swimming the English Channel in 2006 and raising a
breath(stroke)taking £1m, he's hosing down the old wetsuit once
more and taking the plunge yet again, this time to swim the
majority of the River Thames (140 miles to be precise).
Now this is no casual dip. Apart from the obvious problem of the
sheer distance, he also has to deal with a water visibility of
exactly zero, unpredictable currents, extremely busy shipping
lanes, and the small matter of RAW SEWAGE. Well who ever said the
sweet smell of success was a pleasant one.
David has had his jabs, done his training, and is limbering up
to start the swim next Monday (5th Sept). Then all he can do is
swim so to keep track of David's progress via twitter #thamesswim,
and, of course, please give generously!
www.sportrelief.com/walliams
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