A retired surgeon is to attempt to become the oldest man to swim across the English Channel next week the age of 70 years and four months.
Roger Alsopp hopes to raise £750,000 that will go towards the purchase of medical equipment used for cancer research undertaken by the University of Southampton.
Roger Allsopp will start his record breaking on Tuesday, hoping to raise £750,000 for the purchase of cutting edge cancer research medical equipment at the University of Southampton.
If Roger is successful in his attempt he will beat a Guinness World Record that has stood for 7 years. Back on the 29th August 2004 George Brunstad (USA), aged 70 years and four days, made the challenging swim in 15 hours and 59 minutes.
"I've never been one to sit on my laurels," explains Roger. "Retirement has been wonderful but I know how important it is to keep active in mind and body to live a healthy retirement and so I set myself physical challenges to ensure that I keep as fit and healthy as I can. This record breaking swim will hopefully raise a large proportion of the £750,000 that the University of Southampton requires in order to progress its cancer studies."
Craig Glenday, Editor-in-Chief of Guinness World Records said: 'To swim the English Channel is one thing but to do this at the mature age of 70 years is astounding! We hope to verify this as a Guinness World Records achievement as soon as Roger completes the feat'.
Healthspan, the nutritional and wellbeing supplement company, are supporting Roger and Derek Coates the Chairman of Healthspan is pledging £250,000 of his personal wealth towards Roger's fundraising.
People can learn more about Roger's training and inspirational story here: http://www.healthspan.co.uk/liveyounger
