Straits challenge for swimmer in aid of dementia research

The York-based graduate is making the attempt on June 14 to raise 1,000 for the Alzheimer's Research Trust, spurred on by thoughts of his grandparents who have been diagnosed with dementia.

Due to the unpredictable hazards of the straits, fewer than 300 people have ever succeeded in the swim.

The shortest distance across is eight miles but strong currents will prevent Mr Patchett taking the most direct route.

He will swim from the Spanish town of Tarifa and finish four to eight hours later on a rocky outcrop near Tangier in Northern Morocco – crossing a choppy expanse of water stretching between 11 to 13 miles.

Mr Patchett, 24, who graduated from King's College, London, last year, with a business management degree, says it his last chance to be a "free man" before he starts his career behind a desk later this summer.

He said: "I've always loved swimming and every time I go on holiday I spend my whole time in the sea.

"So I'm taking on this challenge to raise more money for vital dementia research.

"It's something my family are very concerned about as my granddad died with dementia some years ago and my two grandmas have also lived with the dreadful condition for a number of years.

"I'm shocked that there is so little funding for research into dementia and I'm determined to make a difference."

He trains daily for five hours, clocking of up lengths equivalent to 10 miles at local pools, as well as swimming in the sea.

The community fundraising manager for the Alzheimer's Research Trust, Miranda Mays, said: "The money he raises will make a real difference, bringing us ever nearer to finding new preventions, treatments and an eventual cure through the world-class research projects that we fund."

n Anyone wishing to sponsor Mr Patchett should contacat Sharon Manison at the trust on 01223 843899 or log in online at http://www.justgiving.com/Thomas-Patchett.