Taunton jeweller trains for Ice Mile swim (From This is The West Country)

Taunton jeweller trains for Ice Mile swim

10:30am Monday 28th January 2013 in News

TAUNTON Jeweller Haydn Welch has announced his plan to swim one mile in the freezing waters of Lake Windermere on Saturday (February 2).

The 55-year-old, will be attempting this swim wearing only a standard swimming costume to become a member of one of the world’s most elite clubs, the International Ice Swimming Association.

"The real issue with swimming one mile in icy temperatures, is not simply a matter of how long it might take," said Haydn.

"The closer the water comes to freezing, the more it hurts. Retaining resolve to stay in past the first few minutes is the toughest part and as the water approaches freezing, the more impossible a mile becomes".

In order to train Haydn has been breaking the solid sheet of ice covering his pool at home before jumping in and says he is acclimatising by swimming at 4 degrees.

However, with winter temperatures plummeting Haydn hopes the temperature does not quite reach zero on the big day.

Haydn is no stranger to unusual swimming adventures. He was the first person in the world to swim the English Channel, backstroke and has held the UK record for the longest distance swam underwater, while holding his breath.

Haydn is making this Ice Mile swim on behalf of the breast cancer awareness charity CoppaFeel and the costs involved have been sponsored by Ice Watches. A Just Giving page can be found on his website www.haydnwelch.co.uk

He is also offering you the chance to win an Ice watch. All you have to do is state how long you think it will take Haydn to swim the Ice Mile, by completing the contact form at www.haydnwelch.co.uk