Well over a hundred people turned out on a bright, sunny Kalkan afternoon, to welcome Julie Anne (Joules) Garrod and Chris Davies, as they swam ashore at Kalkan beach.

The pair had set off from Mouse Island at 10am, accompanied by a support boat, provided by Kalamar Dive Centre, and manned by Andrew Miller and Barry Varney.

Five hours later, at 3pm, they climbed out of the water on to Kalkan's pebble beach, to the cheers and applause of many supporters.

They looked in good shape, as they were greeted and hugged by friends, who were glad to see them back on dry land.

It's hard to say precisely how far they swam, given the currents they encountered, but we believe it to be around 4 miles, or 6.5 kilometres.  If you prefer, that's the equivalent of 130 lengths of an Olympic size swimming pool.

The weather and sea conditions were fair, although the swimmers did encounter three strong currents along the way, which meant that at times, they felt as if they were not moving forward.

Joules and Chris took water breaks every 20 minutes, and Joules even managed to fit in three fag breaks.  How did she get her matches to work?

Their efforts also raised a significant sum of money, which will be used to support the family of Abderrahim Genç, who recently lost a leg in a road accident.  The exact figure has yet to be confirmed, but it is expected to be in the region of 5,000TL.

Well done to Joules, Chris, the support team, and everyone who turned out to support them on the day.  We must do it again, some time. 

If you would like to read a blow by blow account of the swim, we can thoroughly recommend reading Chris Davies' blog: An Englishman Abroad - The Big Swim.

Below: Not far to go now.  The support boat is on the left.

Below: The moment of triumph, as they arrive at Kalkan's town beach.

Below: Joules and Chris standing on the beach in front of the crowd of supporters. 

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