82-year-old carer on crutches swims equivalent of Channel to fundraise for young carers

An 82-year-old from Windermere has swum the equivalent of the English Channel to raise funds for charity despite having an injury that left him walking on crutches.

The challenge Robert Powney decided to take on was to swim a total distance of 22 miles to raise funds for Carer Support South Lakes which supports unpaid carers looking after their loved ones.

Mr Powney, who is a carer for his wife, started the challenge in December but on day three, he tore ligaments in his knee and leg whilst out walking.

“I ended up being rescued by the mountain rescue team and was taken to hospital. I was then referred to a physiotherapist and it took me 10 days to get back into the pool.”

With the use of crutches, Mr Powney managed to get himself to the poolside so he could continue his swim and raise money.

“My physio advised me getting back in the pool will be good for me but told me ‘don’t use your legs.’

"Once I got in the pool, the first ten minutes were the hardest but after that, it got easier. The more I swam, the more I built up my stamina.”

Mr Powney ended up swimming approximately 900 metres a day and despite his injury, the challenge took him an impressive 30 days to complete.

'This just brought tears to my eyes'

He was inspired to take on the swimming challenge after seeing for himself, the impact of supporting young carers, when he was on holiday in Dorset with his wife.

Mr Powney said: “We were in Dorset, and I heard a small child say ‘this is the best holiday I have ever been on’ and this just brought tears to my eyes.

“I spoke to one of the leaders and it transpired they were young carers who were on a respite holiday to give them a break from their caring roles. I decided then I wanted to do something for the charity to help young carers.”

'If you have a goal, get in touch with a charity'

Mr Powney’s advice to other people thinking about taking on a challenge to raise money is: “If you have a goal, get in touch with a charity and ask what you can do. I have found that most people who are retired are doing something physical and are raising money for charity.

“It’s so easy when you can write to a network of your friends asking them to support you.”

Mr Powney has always enjoyed swimming. “About 40 years ago, I had an operation on my spine and ended up in a wheelchair. To help with my rehabilitation, I joined a disabled swimming club.

"I had a coach to help me to learn to swim and I used to swim four or five times a week. It helped me a lot with the recovery.”

'I’m really pleased to have completed the 22-mile swim'

According to Carers UK, there are currently 6.5 million carers in the UK who care for someone who is disabled, ill, older or suffering from a mental health condition. Carers UK estimates this number will rise by 40 per cent in 2037.

The Carer Support South Lakes is an independent, local charity and network partner of Carers Trust which provides a range of services to support and enhance the lives of unpaid carers of all ages throughout South Lakeland.

The charity gives access to information, emotional support, advocacy, financial support and gives carers the opportunities to take a break when they need it.

Mr Powney has so far raised £920 pounds for the charity and has begun a virtual swim back towards Dover.

“I’m really pleased to have completed the 22-mile swim” and says “raising money” has been his incentive to be a better swimmer.

“I would like to say a big thank you to all those who have made donations. It has made the challenge so worthwhile.”

If you would like to make a donation for the Carer Support South Lakes, go to https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/virtual-swim