Ex-Shropshire cricketer Adam Shantry swims the Channel
Former Shropshire cricketer Adam Shantry has successfully completed his attempt to swim the English Channel as he completed the crossing with two friends in under 14 hours.
The ex-Northamptonshire, Warwickshire and Glamorgan star braved the chilly waters of the Channel to raise cash for The Professional Cricketers Association Benevolent Fund and the Tom Maynard Trust, which was set up to help disadvantaged young sportsmen and women in memory of the cricketer who died last year.
Adam and friends Tom Mees and Emma Lawson managed to completed the challenge in 13 hours and 52 minutes after setting off from Dover Harbour.
They beat their predicted finish time of 18 hours by more than four hours.
The trio set off at 1pm on Wednesday and finished in the early hours of yesterday after completing the majority of the challenge in the dark.
Adam, who grew up in Shropshire and who has coached at Shrewsbury School, celebrated the final leg by doing his last hour of swimming naked. "It is the hardest but most rewarding thing I have ever done," he said.
He took to Twitter after the challenge was completed to thank well-wishers for their support and donations.
"Thank you very much for all of the kind words and messages. Tiny bit tired now . . .," he said.
More than £4,500 towards Adam's £10,000 fundraising target has been raised so far.
To sponsor the group, go to www.justgiving.com/swimmingthechannelfortom
