Duo swim, cycle and run around Jersey

Mark Geyner and Alun Roberts (34037595)

SWIMMING, cycling or running around the Island would be an achievement for most. But for two Islanders, completing all three back-to-back was more of a challenge.

Alun Roberts and Mark Grenyer finished the 121.5-mile course in a total of 28 hours while raising money for Jersey Critical Care Survivors – which supports those suffering from physical, psychological or cognitive problems following their discharge from intensive care.

Mr Roberts, a 42-year-old intensive-care consultant, and Mr Grenyer, who works for Sanne Group, believe this is the first time anyone has completed the challenge, which included a 30-mile swim, 44-mile cycle ride and a 47.5-mile run.

Mr Roberts is an experienced runner but it was the first time he had used his road bike in over four years and was the longest swim he had ever completed.

He said that the pair have completed a number of running and cycling challenges but were yet to try their hand at swimming.

‘We really wanted to do something unique and so we came up with the challenge of doing all three back-to-back. The swim was by far the biggest challenge and we put in a number of hours of training for that part,’ he said.

‘I knew if I got to the end of the swim I could suffer through the rest. We nearly had to call off the swim around the north coast as the swell was so strong.

‘My goggles were pulled off and because of the swell I threw up twice. I’m chuffed that I’ve done it but there’s no way I am ever doing it again,’ he added.

Mr Roberts said that part of the reason for the challenge was to raise awareness for the charity, of which he is deputy chair, and to make more people realise the help that is out there for them.

‘It was set up three years ago by a nurse and it runs a monthly support group for people who have spent time in the intensive care unit.

‘Physically some people never recover following admission to intensive care, while some may have issues with their cognition, are unable to return to work or have long-term problems with anxiety and depression,’ he said.

Anyone wanting to donate is asked to visit jccs.je

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