British comedian David Walliams crossed the finish line on Monday after a marathon swim down the river Thames, fighting illness and strong currents to raise more than ￡1 million (US$1.5 million) for charity.
The eight-day swim stretched 225km from the source of the river in the English county of Gloucestershire to Big Ben in London.
The star of TV comedy series Little Britain was met by a shower of tickertape and crowds of well-wishers, including a group wearing swimming trunks.
Photo: AFP
The feat has raised more than 1 million pounds for Sport Relief, a British-based charity.
“Most people in the UK know the Thames, and most people think the idea of swimming in it is horrifying! And it is,” Walliams said in a statement.
The television star has battled with vomiting, diarrhea and high temperatures after contracting “Thames tummy” three days into the challenge from the polluted waters of the river, which harbor a concoction of raw sewage and bacteria, including e-coli, salmonella and hepatitis.
Although an accomplished swimmer, the TV star has faced more risks from swimming in the busy waterway than just illness, and organizers as well as Walliams have warned that this is not a challenge the public should attempt.
The unpredictable currents in the tidal river make swimming extremely dangerous, along with undertows that can suck swimmers underwater, river traffic and extremely cold water.
“It’s really not a safe environment to swim in ... I have an incredible team of experts to help keep me safe. If there’s a lot of rainfall there’ll be a lot of sewage present so I’ve had to have loads of jabs,” Walliams said.
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