On Thursday 29th August, Whitstable resident Dan Brown became the first person to swim from the iconic Red Sands Forts Swim in the Thames Estuary to the Kent coast, in a time of 5 hours and 6 minutes, raising over £4,000.

Dan started the swim at 06:22.  There was heavy swell for the first three hours, which he coped with bravely, as well as the jellyfish.  It calmed down as the tide turned and, although tired, he maintained his pace to finish in Tankerton Bay just to the west of Whitstable, where he was met by his wife, his brother and members of the local swimming community. 

Dan Brown, an avid swimmer and local resident, trained hard for months to prepare for the challenging open water conditions and the physical endurance required for this swim. The route, spanning approximately 7 miles, presented some tough challenges with its tides, currents, cold water and the inevitable presence of jellyfish.  

Dan says, "The forts are incredible to look at - eerie, sci-fi like and they are an iconic structure to locals who look out on the horizon every day.  I used to be a RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Instructor and yacht delivery skipper and have sailed these waters many times. Many people in the area are so happy a local swimmer has achieved it.  I wanted to fundraise for Aspire because I am an Osteopath so work every day to help people maintain body function and to have that suddenly taken away from you from spinal paralysis must be devastating."

"I am thrilled to have taken on this challenge and achieve a “first” in open water swimming history. I have stared out at the forts all my life and been fascinated by them. As a boat skipper I would always plot a route close to them as they never ceased to impress me with their “other worldly” appearance. I am also honoured to support Aspire and their incredible work helping people with spinal cord injuries. They not only help people who have been paralysed but have become leading experts in open water swimming."

"We are immensely proud of Dan and his dedication to both swimming and Aspire," said Paul Parrish, Aspire’s Fundraising and Marketing Director. "I live in Herne Bay and have wanted to organise a swim from the Forts for many years to add to Aspire’s diverse open water swim portfolio. Meeting Dan has made this a reality, thanks to his drive and determination.  We’d also like to thank Jason from Highlife Charters, the skilful boat pilot who guided Dan back to Kent.”

Sponsor Dan 

Swimming with Aspire

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