Salt takes on salty challengeNamibian businessman Bruce Salt will try to join an elite list of people who have swum across the English Channel. Businessman to swim English Channel Namibian businessman Bruce Salt is to face the tough challenge of swimming across the English Channel later this month.Salt will embark on the epic challenge on 27 and 28 September with the support of Flying Fish, one of SABMiller Namibia’s flagship products.
He is doing it in support of the CCNF (Cancer Care Namibia Fund).
If successful Salt will become the first Namibian man to cross the English Channel, which is the body of water that divides southern England from northern France.
It is considered to be the ultimate endurance challenge, with not only the incredible 35+ km swim, but also the variable conditions including waves up to two metres high, sea temperatures ranging between six and 15 degrees Celsius, jellyfish and ocean debris.
It is also one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, with 600 tankers passing through and 200 ferries and other vessels crossing daily.
Official
For Salt's swim to be officially recognised, he is not allowed to touch the support boat or make contact with another person for the duration of the 14- to 18-hour swim.
This gruelling challenge has a story, one of loss, adversity and hope.
On 17 April 2011, Neil Salt, Bruce's eldest brother, succumbed to lymphoma.
Neil was a respected honorary member of Hochland 154 Round Table and spent most of his life in community service and community development in Namibia.
It was Neil Salt's dying wish that the CCNF be created to assist Namibian cancer patients, for the specific benefit of having family members present during cancer treatment.
Neil's experience shaped his belief that medical treatment would be enhanced by the physical presence of family members.
During his treatment period, Neil noticed how many cancer patients were struggling alone in the absence of family support.
Neil soon realised that the lack of family presence with many cancer sufferers was due to financial constraints.
Thus it was his desire to provide financial support for an immediate family member or partner to be physically present, as most funds assisting cancer patients are not always able to directly assist in respect of travel and accommodation.
It is Bruce’s determination of making a difference to cancer sufferers in Namibia that Flying Fish has decided to become a partner in this physical and mental challenge.
“As a brand with its beliefs and values based on adding flavour to everyday life, we considered this a no-brainer to jump right in and partner with Salt for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure and great cause,” said Martin Cronje, SABMiller Namibia’s business and information analyst.
Those needing assistance from the Cancer Care Namibia Fund can send an email to dianne@saltinc.na for an application form or can visit the Facebook page www.facebook.com/Cancercarenamibia.
SPORT REPORTER