Malcolm Pearce, 63, a dedicated resident of Cleethorpes, is preparing for a solo swim across the English Channel. He takes inspiration from Grimsby’s famed swimming legend, Brenda Fisher. Mr Pearce, who has trained for over a year, plans to embark on his journey in the early hours of Thursday, 31st July. He estimates that the 21-mile (34km) venture will take near 14 hours. Brenda Fisher, who once held the world record for the fastest Channel swim by a woman, was an influential coach during Mr Pearce’s early swimming years.
The swim is slated to begin from Dover at approximately 03:00 BST, with France as the endpoint, assuming favourable weather conditions. Mr Pearce will be supported by a team on a nearby boat, maintaining his autonomy by abstaining from direct contact with the vessel or crew members. The Grimsby and Cleethorpes Water Rats, a swimming club to which Mr Pearce belongs, will provide sustenance for him by tossing bottled water and food, mixed with energy powder, from the boat. He will have a short 10-second window to consume these provisions. In a conversation with BBC Radio Humberside, Mr Pearce confidently revealed, “I’ve prepared as best I can. If I’m not ready now, I never will be. Over the past year, I’ve covered approximately 600 miles (1,000 km) in training.”
Mr Pearce began his swimming journey at the Immingham pool, eventually progressing to the Grimsby Santa Marina club under Brenda Fisher’s mentorship. Fisher, who passed away in 2022 at 95, completed her 1951 Channel swim in 12 hours and 42 minutes. This remarkable feat secured her a world record at the time. After retiring from professional swimming, she dedicated her life to teaching swimming in Grimsby. Mr Pearce still recalls the stories of Fisher’s Channel experiences he heard during their training sessions. As a show of his dedication to swimming, he is using this swim to raise funds for the Humberston Hydrotherapy Pool, a charity close to his heart. “All the training is done; what happens next is beyond my control, be it jellyfish or foul weather. I am as ready as I’ll ever be,” he asserted.
While the English Channel measures a distance of 21 miles, Mr Pearce anticipates swimming an estimated 28 miles (45km) due to potential deviations en route. Supporters can track his progress through updates posted on the Grimsby and Cleethorpes Water Rats’ Facebook page.
This report was sourced from original content found on www.bbc.com and further developed by The Lincoln Post.
