Six-mile Serpentine swimmer still making a splash

Mike Thorpe with wife Susanna, whose button blunder condemned him to a six mile swim, with his medal – plus a welcome Coke and a banana – after completing the Super Six

Mike Thorpe may have completed a six-mile charity swim in The Serpentine two weeks ago but he’s still making a splash.

Mike, husband of our PA & Events Lead Susanna, is still adding to the £4,607 he has raised for the Bobby Van.

The 57-year-old’s mammoth five hours and 31 minute swim in Hyde Park ended up being considerably longer than he initially bargained. He had intended to sign up for just one mile but discovered to his horror that Susanna pressed the wrong button and doomed him to the longer distance.

But rather than make waves, he set about training at Marlborough Leisure Centre and Cotswold Water Park and the story of his swim earned him coverage on BBC Radio Wiltshire as well as Marlborough News.

His efforts paid off when he completed the swim in one piece and a nice charity total building. “The discomfort I experienced swimming six miles is nothing compared to the challenges many vulnerable people face, which is why I’m determined to do everything I can to raise as much money as possible,” he said.

Mike’s funding page is still open and you can donate here.

Mike Thorpe at the finish line