Nathan’s epic swim set to raise plenty of smiles

A FITNESS fanatic and fundraising swimmer from Littlehampton was left ‘throwing up for hours’ after completing his latest charity epic.
Nathan Abbott, 17, standing beside his proud mum Stephanie before setting off on his epic 15-mile swim for charity SUS-140826-125421001Nathan Abbott, 17, standing beside his proud mum Stephanie before setting off on his epic 15-mile swim for charity SUS-140826-125421001
Nathan Abbott, 17, standing beside his proud mum Stephanie before setting off on his epic 15-mile swim for charity SUS-140826-125421001

Nathan Abbott, 17, became the first person to finish the 15-mile swim through the River Arun, from Greatham Bridge in Coldwaltham, to the Littlehampton RNLI lifeboat station in Fisherman’s Quay, on Saturday (August 23).

And as if battling against the river’s powerful tidal flow for more than five hours wasn’t gruelling enough, Nathan managed to pick up a nasty illness which left him vomiting throughout Sunday.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The teenager, who is a student at St Philip Howard Catholic High School, Barnham, said: “It’s been nasty. Over the last 24 hours I and another swimmer who joined me for a few miles have been throwing up. I must have been vomiting for at least five hours on Sunday.

“The river isn’t exactly full of nice things.”

In spite of Nathan’s illness, the teenager said he was overjoyed to have accomplished his impressive feat – which raised a staggering £4,500 for Smile Train.

For the full story, see this week’s Gazette (Thursday, August 28).

Related topics: