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| Calm conditions for part of the crossing |
Sixth Former Christopher Shepheard-Walwyn, crossed the Channel in a single scull (one man rowing boat) on Tuesday 10th June in an amazing 3 hours 45 mins and 4 seconds, in aid of charity - just 10 minutes off the world record
Chris undertook the crossing in a 5 metre long seafaring single scull called Kellie, generously lent by Westover Boat Club. The timing of the crossing was weather dependent and Chris has anxiously been watching the weather forecasts and sea conditions over the last few days. Conditions were calm until he started crossing the main shipping lanes where he encountered bow waves of 1 – 1.5 metres from cargo vessels. Chris made land at Cape Griz Net where he declared himself to be “exhausted but over the moon”.
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| training on the River Stour |
Chris has been training for three hours each day, six days a week for last five months. A keen rower, he decided to undertake the crossing to help raise awareness of the medical condition Sycncope and to raise money for the charity STARS who provide information and help for sufferers of Syncope and Reflex Anoxic Seizures. Fellow Canford pupil Kellie Maher suffers from Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia syndrome and Vasovagal Syncope which causes her to lose consciousness frequently and has been greatly helped by STARS.
Staff and pupils have been eagerly awaiting news of Chris and were thrilled to hear that his attempt had been so successful. Headmaster John Lever said “I am constantly proud of the dedication of Canfordians to the task in hand and Christopher is well deserving of all our praise and our commendation for his considerable achievement”.
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