CHALLENGE: James Briaris, left, of Great Somerford will swim the Strait of Gibraltar in memory of his friend, Mark Holt's mother who died with cancer
SWIMMER James Briaris will be tackling the Strait of Gibraltar to raise money for the World Cancer Research Fund in memory of his best friend's mum.
The 26-year-old, of Great Somerford decided to take the plunge after his best friend Mark Holt, also 26, lost his mum Kim to stomach cancer when he was 21.
The pair, who have known each other since they were eight years old, grew up together in Swansea.
Mr Briaris and his family later moved to Great Somerford but he supported his best friend throughout the loss of his mum and they have remained close.
He is currently studying for a PhD in mechanical engineering at St John's College in Oxford, and decided to swim the Strait with five other graduates.
The team hopes to complete the relay in just six hours, each swimming approximately 4km, but Mr Briaris wants to swim all the way.
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He said: "When Mark's mum passed away I saw how it affected him, how it still affects him even now. It devastated his family.
"The more research that can be done into cancer prevention the better.
The Strait of Gibraltar
"People need to know that with just a few lifestyle changes cancer can be prevented.
"People think I'm mad but it's for a good cause. Only 200 people have ever done it so it will be a great achievement.
"I wanted to do it anyway but helping a charity close to my heart seemed much better."
The swimmers will travel to Tarifa in southern Spain on August 30 to take up the challenge.
They will have to battle low water temperature, and dense fog, strong winds and currents.
One of the greatest dangers however, will be the fact that up to 300 boats a day pass through the Strait.
But regardless of the hazards, Mr Briaris says he can't wait to start the challenge and his best friend, who still lives in Swansea, has given him his full blessing.
"Training is going well and I feel really positive. I like a good challenge and I know Mark is really pleased with me for doing this," he said.
"Mark and I are planning more charity events in the future. Next year I want to try the IronMan Triathlon. I've totally got the bug.
"It will be an amazing experience and hopefully we will raise lots of money for the fund."
The team is aiming to collect at least £10,000.
Teresa Nightingale, head of fundraising at WCRF, said: "We wish them the very best of luck in completing their swim in good time and getting to the Moroccan coast safely.
"The money they raise will go towards our research and education programmes into the link between lifestyle and cancer risk."
To donate please visit the team's web page at www.wcrf-uk.org/gibraltarswim
Great cause, but very irresponsible action.
Hundreds of Moroccans, including children, die trying to swim these waters from Morocco to Spain every year.
Great cause, but very irresponsible action.
Hundreds of Moroccans, including children, die trying to swim these waters from Morocco to Spain every year.
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