Old Citizen, Gerry Turner (CLS 1960 - 66) swam
2124 lengths of Brighton's 25-metre Prince Regent pool in 12 weeks from 12th September, making a total of 33 miles, as part of the charity Aspire's 'Channel Swim'.
He says: "
I reached "the other side" on 7th November, so in theory, I was over over half-way back by the end. Last year I raised £109 but fell short of my target of £500, which would be enough to buy SmartNav technology for a PC to enable two people with high level spinal injury to use a computer without the use of their hands.
As before I suggest donations be made through http://www.justgiving.com/Gerald-Turner0."
David was paralysed by a spinal cord injury on his way to work. Before he had his accident, he was living in a flat on the 3rd floor. After ruling out the possiblity of moving home and adapting his flat, he approached his local council, but nothing suitable was available.
With his discharge date looming, David was struggling to find somewhere; having been in hospital for six months, he did not want to stay there any longer than was needed. But with nothing else available the only remaining option was a nursing home for the elderly.
Fortunately, the fully accessible Aspire house in Wakefield became available and David was offered it as a temporary measure until he could find a place of his own.
'The Aspire house gave me the opportunity to regroup after coming out of hospital and to get used to life as a wheelchair user.'