Fire Over Water
Disaster strikes in one part of the world and open water swimming is affected in another part of the world. Sir Richard Branson’s home on his private island of Necker in the British Virgin Islands was destroyed in a fire.
The fire and its aftermath means that the famous businessman and adventurer will not be joining Ronan Keating in the celebrated 56-mile charity relay swim from across the Irish Sea from Holyhead, in Anglesey, North Wales, to Dublin, Ireland.
Frances Milner, director of supporter-led fund-raising at Cancer Research UK: “Sadly Richard Branson has had to withdraw from Cancer Research UK’s first celebrity challenge, The Samsung Galaxy S II Swim. We’re disappointed but understand that he needs to be with his family after fire devastated their home. He has kindly offered to dedicate a future record-breaking challenge to Cancer Research UK.”
Ronan has injured his hamstring during his training, but said, “I’m not a strong swimmer, but the motivation to learn and raise money for Cancer Research UK was enough for me to sign up. The public’s support is going to be essential in helping us achieve our goal of raising £1 million for Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work.”
Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source
Southern California native, born 1962, is the creator of the WOWSA Awards, Oceans Seven, Openwaterpedia, Citrus Corps, World Open Water Swimming Association, Daily News of Open Water Swimming, Global Open Water Swimming Conference. He is Chief Executive Officer of KAATSU Global and KAATSU Research Institute. Inductee in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Swimmer, Class of 2001) and Ice Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Contributor - Media, Class of 2019), recipient of the International Swimming Hall of Fame's Poseidon Award (2016), International Swimming Hall of Fame's Irving Davids-Captain Roger Wheeler Memorial Award (2010), USA Swimming's Glen S. Hummer Award (2007, 2010) and Harvard University's John B. Imrie Award (1984). Served on the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee and as Technical Delegate with the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games, and 9-time USA Swimming coaching staff. Note: WOWSA only recommends products or services used or recommended by the community. WOWSA does not receive compensation for links or products mentioned on this site or in blog posts. If it does, it will be indicated clearly on that specific post. See WOWSA's privacy policy for more information.
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