A DOCTOR is taking on a mighty endurance challenge to raise funds and awareness for the Jersey Lifeboat Association.
Mark Whyman, who is a surgeon at the General Hospital, will complete seven back-to-back marathons between 27 September and 3 October – in the water.
Starting on 27 September and finishing on 3 October, Mr Whyman will be swimming 10,000 metres – the equivalent of 400 lengths each day.
“I don’t get a great deal of time to give back to the community, so when I thought of undertaking this crazy series of swims … I decided to raise some money for a local good cause,” he said.
Mr Whyman will take on the challenge at Les Quennevais Sport Centre, opting for the pool so the weather does not disrupt his challenge.
“I’ve only ever done one pool marathon before, and never seven,” he said. “It was exhausting and painful, and the boredom really messed with my mind. I’m not sure whether I’m looking forward to this or dreading it, but one way or another I’m determined to get it done.”
Despite his apprehension and admitting he is “way past his sporting best” at 65, Mr Whyman said: “If I can raise awareness of the JLA and encourage people to rally round and support this great cause, then all those lengths will be worth it.”
He said he was inspired to fundraise for the JLA because of his own appreciation for water safety.
“People who work to save lives at sea are incredibly brave,” he said. “My friends and I are often in the sea and are very safety conscious, so supporting the JLA felt like a natural choice.
“The JLA relies heavily on fundraising to provide training for its crew and to purchase and maintain the equipment needed to carry out rescue missions. I very much hope that people will join me in supporting the JLA and helping to fund its training and infrastructure.”
Mr Whyman has taken a week of annual leave from his work at the Hospital to complete the challenge.
