Selsey resident, 82, prepares to take final lap in 50-mile swimathon for Ukraine

Julian Lindsey Clark has been putting his swimming trunks to good use, completing one mile a week in a bid to raise enough money to buy and transport more than 100 portable gas cooking stoves to Ukraine.

The retired landscaper's challenge is being undertaken in support of Lymington-based charity New Forest for Ukraine (NFFU), with the stoves intended to help mothers prepare hot meals during prolonged power cuts and shortages of fuel.

“This will give mothers a chance to cook a hot meal during the endless power cuts or general lack of fuel,” he said.

Julian, who is now on his 48th mile, is due to complete the challenge at the Oasis swimming pool at Seal Bay Resort in Selsey on Thursday, November 26.

His 50-mile target is equivalent to swimming across the English Channel and back. So far, most of his miles have been completed in local swimming pools, with 10 miles tackled in the sea. He has even managed a mile in a swimming pool aboard a cruise ship while on holiday.

For Julian, however, every stroke has a deeper meaning, as he keeps the families affected by the conflict firmly in his thoughts.

‘‘It sounds a bit pious really in this secular world, but as I’m swimming, each stroke is like a thought or prayer, especially for the mums and babies,” he said.

His fundraising efforts have been inspired by his neighbour, 88-year-old widow Liz Watson, who has helped galvanise the Selsey and district community into organising humanitarian aid for Ukraine.

Julian praised Liz's dedication to NFFU and other charities, despite her own health problems.

“Liz spends her every waking moment working for NFFU and other charities, even though she has health problems; washing, ironing, packing boxes and bags of aid,” he said.

He added that he had been particularly inspired by her idea to send baby packs containing essential supplies for mothers and newborns.

The challenge will be Julian's tenth charity swimathon, and he is determined to reach his fundraising target despite having some way to go.

“Last year, people said my goal was too high, but when I completed it, I got a couple of really large donations. I’ve got about £1,500 now, so it’s creeping up.”

His final swim will take place between 10am and 11.20am on November 26, when family and friends are expected to gather at the pool to cheer him on.

Among them will be around half a dozen fellow swimmers whom Julian has inspired to organise their own fundraising challenges.

Mandy Haynes, head trustee at New Forest for Ukraine, said the support was particularly important as the conflict continued.

“The war in Ukraine has now entered its fifth year. The need for support on the ground has never been greater,” she said.

“Jul’s amazing swimming challenge for 2026 will not only raise valuable funds, but hopefully help us keep the plight of the Ukrainian people in the spotlight.”

Julian's challenge aims to raise £5,000, which will go towards purchasing and transporting the cooking stoves to families in need.

Donations can be made through his JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/page/julian-lindsey-clark-2