I was enjoying the glorious weather over the weekend but particularly as I was able to spend the afternoon on a boat in the company of Kate Willoughby, a British expat on a mission to raise awareness and funds for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a fatal condition her nephew, Harrison, is suffering from. Her challenge? To be the first person to swim 25-30km around The World which is planned for 21st November.

I got to witness Kate take her first plunge into the waters and do a practice swim of 5km. Kate, 32, told me she was a little nervous but also excited at the prospect. So there we were on a fabulous boat jetting out of the East Marina from the Palm out to The World. Kate’s support group was with her which included kayakers who will guide Kate on the day and Brendan Jack, Nakeel Head of Environment and Sustainability, who has been assessing the conditions and mapping the route to ensure everything goes to plan. Although the sea looked inviting to me, Kate was concerned about jelly fish and heat stroke so she prepared well with repellent (yes there is such a thing as jelly fish repellant) and sun screen. Then, when she took the plunge into the water and began to swim you could see how challenging it is in deep waters against the waves at what is estimated to take around 12 hours to complete.

With such a good cause in mind and Kate’s determination if anyone can do this she can.
 
You can hear Suzanne in conversation with Kate on Dubai Today on Monday 19th November from 10am.

For more information on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Kate’s nephew Harrison go to www.harrisonsfund.com.

Suzanne Radford and swimmer Kate Willoughby

L to R: Trudy Sturkenboom (support team); Suzanne, Kate and Nakheel Head of Environment and Sustainability, Brendan Jack

Kate talks to Suzanne about the challenge ahead

The World developer Nakheel is backing Kate’s swim by providing support boats and marine safety expertise

Brendan Jack describes the technicalities behind the planning of Swim Around The World

Ali Al Shaiba, Nakheel Head of Waterways, Safety and Security (right) with Kate’s two kayakers who form part of the support team

Local and international media attended Saturday’s practice swim

Kate sets off on a 6km practice on part of the 25km route for the event on 21 November

Kate’s kayak support team will be with her throughout the challenge