Saturday 29th October 2011 will be a big day in Turkey - it's the 88th anniversary of the founding of the Republic.

But for two Kalkan residents, Chris Davies and Julie Anne (Jules) Garrod, it's going to be a day they will never forget.

They are attempting to swim from Mouse island to Kalkan town beach, which is estimated to be about 6.5km, or if you prefer, 4 miles.

Chris and Jules plan to set off from Mouse island at 10.00, and expect to take around 4 to 5 hours.  However, they have never swum this sort of distance before, so this is a best guess.

The challenge
They will be accompanied by their support boat “Anil”, generously provided by owners Ali and Vicki Eğriboyun, and well known for its excellent day trip cruises.  They are also taking local advice on the currents in Kalkan Bay.

This whole enterprise began as a personal challenge, but the intrepid duo, pictured left, decided they would also like to use the event, to raise money for 24 year old local man, Abderrahim Genç, who was recently badly injured in a road accident. 

Abderrahim lost a leg and, as a result, is unable to pursue his trade as an electrician.  Although reluctant to seek help, the costs of getting an artifical limb fitted and the intensive physiotherapy required, are well beyond the means of his family.

To ensure that the consequences of this accident do not overwhelm this young man, who has only recently married, Chris and Jules are appealing to KTLN readers to give their support, and sponsor them. 

The overall cost of treatment is around 7,000TL, so this is their target.

If you are in Kalkan, you can track them down to give them a donation, in person.  If you wish to contact them directly, click on this link to send them a message: Contact Chris & Jules.

If you are not in Kalkan, you can still support them, by donating to The KTLN Trust.  You can do it right now, using your computer.  Details of how to make a donation can be found by clicking on the following link: Donate to The KTLN Trust 

Any amounts received between now and the end of October 2011, will be used to help Abderrahim.
 
An Englishman Abroad
If you want to read the background to this incredible challenge, and get an insight into their training regime, you can read Chris' blog : An Englishman Abroad

Below: The planned swim, from Mouse Island to Kalkan town beach.

We spotted Chris & Jules yesterday afternoon, by the harbour, after a training session.  Jules said she was feeling the cold, so in an act of selfless chivalry, I have agreed that on the day I will smear her from head to toe with goose fat, which I believe is 'de rigueur' in these circumstances. 

So if anyone is flying over in the next week or so, if they have room in their case for goose fat, that would be much appreciated.  Failing that, I suppose a packet of lard would suffice!

In all seriousness, Kalkan Turkish Local News wishes Chris and Jules the best of luck, and we urge our readers to support this very worthy cause.

Finally, if you are in Kalkan, please go along to the town beach on Saturday 29th October, to give them a cheer and a warm welcome as they reach dry land.  It's better to be there early to get into the party spirit, so we suggest turning up by 13.30 at the latest.

Please note that the swim will only go ahead if the prevailing weather conditions are favourable.  Bad weather may result in a postponement.

 

Kalkan Turkish Local News - your window on Kalkan Turkey