Super 60 year old set for 60th swim

A City of Wolverhampton rehabilitation worker will swim in aid of Dementia UK.

Just weeks after his 60th birthday, Simon Kimberly, is attempting a ten mile swim across the Strait of Gibraltar.

He will compete the swim between 12th September and 17th September in aid of Dementia UK, a charity which supported him and his family after his mother in law was diagnosed with Alzheimers and Vascular Dementia in 2012.

The Strait of Gibraltar connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea and separates Spain from Morocco and Europe from Africa. Due to the strong currents and winds, the distance swum when crossing the strait is usually between 16 to 22 km, or nine to 12 nautical miles. 

He said: "At the end of last year, I decided to set myself the challenge of completing 60 open water swims culminating with the Gibraltar Straits to celebrate my 60th birthday.

"Raising money for this deserving charity is my way of saying thanks for all the help and support they give to people living with dementia and their families."

The Alzheimer's Society granted Wolverhampton Dementia Friendly Community Status for 2017-18 after recognising the work taking place in the City to improve services for people living with dementia, and their families and carers.

To find out more about the Wolverhampton Dementia Action Alliance please visit Dementia Action Alliance or email susan.eagle@wolverhampton.gov.uk.