Meet Jonty, the inspirational amputee who is taking on multiple endurance events in aid of Open Country!
Over 20 years ago Jonty had a serious car accident leaving him permanently disabled with injuries including an amputated left leg below the knee; titanium plates in his head; his right ankle broken and dislocated which is now pinned together, and various other injuries resulting in multiple operations and living with constant pain.
None of this has held him back in achieving some incredible sporting feats including becoming the first disabled ‘Ice Miler‘, swimming a mile in water temperature of 5 degrees Celsius or less wearing just a standard costume, goggles and one swim hat!
Jonty says: “Central to me being able to achieve what I have, is being able to access the countryside whether that’s on my bike, in open water or skiing. I find it essential for my wellbeing and the good of my soul. I am undertaking a series of endurance events to help Open Country raise the money they need to help those less fortunate than myself to access the countryside.”
Jonty’s first challenge this summer will be as a member of the four strong Team ‘swimyourchannelswim’ aiming to swim the English Channel in relay. The team had planned the challenge for last year but bad weather and a global pandemic put a stop to it. One of the original team members couldn’t take part this year so Jonty was asked to join.
Their window of opportunity opens on 14th July and is subject to the weather, tides and currents! They will be swimming under the Channel Swimming Association rules of no wetsuit, just standard swimming costume with goggles and swim hat. The team will take it in turns to swim for an hour at a time and expect to swim around 3 to 4 times each. The Channel is around 21 miles but with currents the swim can be over 30 miles! Here’s hoping for good weather, calm, warm seas and no jellyfish!!
https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?pageId=1292370
Good luck Jonty, we’re all rooting for you at Open Country!
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