A group of open water enthusiasts will swim almost 250 miles over 24 hours to raise thousands of pounds for a Lincolnshire children’s cancer charity.

Paul Fowler (43), Martin Ball (36), Alex Ferguson (43), Caroline Sims (41) and Mike Russell (63) will attempt the feat in memory of Ethan Maull and his charity The Ethan Maull ‘Up Yours to Cancer!’ Foundation.

The avid swimmers are all members of the UK and Cyprus based swimming club 100% Swimming and are challenging themselves to each swim one mile every hour for 24 hours in open water.

Ten-year-old Ethan sadly passed away on 5^th May 2014 after losing his battle against cancer. Ethan and his family, who live in Torksey near Lincoln, set up the foundation in 2013 to help raise awareness of osteosarcoma after he was diagnosed with the rare form of children’s bone cancer in December 2012.

The 24-hour open water swimming challenge will take place from Tuesday 24^th to Wednesday 25^th June 2014 at Activities Away in North Hykeham near Lincoln. The first mile of the endurance swim will begin at 7pm on Tuesday 24^th and the last mile will start at 6pm on Wednesday 25^th June

The charity event is the first of its kind, as it will take place in open water as opposed to a swimming pool. Additionally none of the participants will sleep until all 24 hours are complete in order to support one another.

Four teams made up of four members each will take part in the swimming challenge. The team members will swim at intervals over the course of 24 hours.

Many of the 100% Swimming members are active competitors. A number of them have competed in several biathlons, triathlons and open water and ice swimming events at a national level.

Mike Russell, the oldest of the group who lives in Kent, has completed over 500 triathlons including 49 Ironman distance races, two double Ironman races and one triple Ironman race and held the European triple Ironman record for six years.

Paul Fowler, who lives in Lincoln, is a highly proficient swimmer holding the fastest recorded UK times at Chill Swim and PHISH cold water championships, and is Head Coach at 100% Swimming. Paul has also been coaching Ethan’s father Darren for upcoming triathlons he is taking part in.

“We’ve been planning this event since September 2013 and we’re delighted by the support and interest that we’ve received so far,” he explained.

“The swim is going to be a tough challenge and a serious test of our endurance. However we are determined to complete it in memory of Ethan who was a very special little boy. We’re encouraged by his legacy and want to help keep it going.”

Martin Ball who lives in Louth, has almost a decade’s worth of swimming experience and is currently second in the Midlands Sprint Triathlon Series in the 30 to 40 age group.

“I have taken part in my fair share of endurance challenges, but this event will be one of the most challenging,” said Martin. “We’ll be putting our bodies through a lot of stress and with the added factor of the cold weather and water we’re increasing our chances of hypothermia.

“Ethan Maull has been an inspiration to us all, however, and I’m honoured to be taking part in this event on behalf of his foundation.”

Donations are currently being collected via the team’s JustGiving page https://www.justgiving.com/24hrswim. They have received over £2,000 in donations so far, and hope to exceed their target of £3,000. All proceeds will go to the Ethan Maull ‘Up Yours To Cancer’ Foundation.

For more information about the foundation, please visit www.upyourstocancer.co.uk or the Ethan Maull ‘Up Yours to Cancer Facebook page or follow the charity’s Twitter account @EbobsFight.

Ends

Notes to editors

• Ethan Maull was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in December 2012.
• Ethan Maull passed away on 5th May 2014 aged 10.
• The Ethan Maull ‘Up Yours to Cancer!’ Foundation has raised approximately £100,000 so far.
• The Ethan Maull ‘Up Yours to Cancer! Foundation is planning to purchase a property, to be called Ethan’s House.

For further information please contact:
Shey Osibowale
Shooting Star PR
01522 528540
07538 674832
shey@weareshootingstar.co.uk
@ShootingStarPR
[Ethan03Swim]