BBC Staff Initiate Children in Need Swimming Challenge

A swimming challenge covering 24 miles (38.6km) over five days has been commenced by staff from BBC Radio Solent in support of Children in Need. Michael Coombes, a breakfast newsreader, was the initial participant to enter the water, starting his swim at The Quays in Southampton, Hampshire, earlier. Concurrently, teams from various BBC radio stations across the UK are aiming to collectively swim 1,000 miles by Friday’s close as part of The Thousand Mile Challenge. Funds generated from this initiative are designated to assist young individuals confronting challenges such as poverty and illness. Mr Coombes began his training for this endeavor in July, at which point he was capable of swimming approximately 10 lengths consecutively. He stated, “I had no idea about pace, I had no idea about rhythm, I just dived in and got on with it.” Following his entry into the swimming lanes around 07:00 GMT, the newsreader adjusted his technique during the swim, alternating between backstroke, breaststroke, and front crawl. Upon reaching 100 lengths, he expressed feeling “exhilarated.” He humorously added, “Just call me Michael ‘Flipper’ Coombes because I reckon I’m like a torpedo in the water.” The Solent team is required to complete 1,545 lengths to fulfill their challenge. On Tuesday at 08:00, Lucy Ambache, presenter of the Afternoon Show, and apprentice Saffron Finch are scheduled to participate at Ravelin Sports Centre in Portsmouth. Edward Sault, a presenter for South Today, and Steve Harris, presenter of the Dorset Breakfast Show, will continue the challenge at BH Live Active, Littledown in Bournemouth, on Wednesday. On Friday, sports reporter Rob Sills will join Ms Ambache, Ms Finch, Mr Sault, and Mr Harris for the concluding day of the event at Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre in Christchurch, commencing at 08:00. Additional information is available at bbc.co.uk/swim. Updates from BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight can be followed on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), or Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Details regarding our external linking policy are available for review.