AN ENDURANCE adventurer is preparing for his next challenge – swimming the English Channel.
Mark Padley, 37, is swimming the Channel to raise money for the Royal National Lifeboat Association.
And it's not the first time he has faced an epic test – he has already completed the Deco Enduroman challenge twice.
It is widely acknowledged as being the toughest athletic feat known to man, putting participants through an Iron Man race, every day, for ten days.
This works out at 48 miles of swimming, 2,240 miles of cycling and 520 miles of running.
In 2011, Mark came in second, with a time of 182 hours, 25 minutes and 33 seconds, and was one of only three people to finish the race. When he completed the challenge in 2012, he came fourth, finishing in 168 hours, 24 minutes and 50 seconds – 14 hours quicker than his performance the year before.
The former Tollbar student then settled on conquering the Channel for his next big task.
This challenge is classed as the "Everest of swimming", and since being first completed in 1875 by Captain Webb, only 1,300 people have accomplished it solo – including Grimsby swimming veteran Brenda Fisher. Mark will be battling raging tides, ice cold water and stinging jellyfish – not to mention overcoming the mental challenge – as he makes the 21-mile journey from Dover to France.
Mark must do it entirely alone and is not allowed to touch his support boat at any time. He aims to complete the swim within 13 hours.
Mark, who lived in North Thoreby and moved to Hessle, said: "I've done more than 400 miles of training for this event and I'm as ready as I'll be.
"I have been practising with coaching from Pete Winchester, the Humber King, who recently completed his 70th Humber Estuary crossing.
"The Deca Enduroman challenges were hard work, but this is hours of non-stop swimming.
"I will have the support of my parents, and my good friends Pete, Rob and Keith who will be throwing food at me throughout it.
"It's going to be a challenge but I'm sure I have it in me to get to the other side, and I'm raising money for a great cause; that will help me out if I don't make it.
"My family think I'm mad but it's all worth it in the end, and I hope they are all proud of me."
His father, John, 65, said: "Of course we are all proud of him; he's well prepared for the swim and we know he will make it."
Mark will set off on his challenge at 1am on Tuesday, September 10, with his support boat the Viking Princess, being piloted by Reg Brickell.
To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/MarkPadleyChannelSwim2013 or text MPCS99 £Amount - to 70070.
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