Speedo Mick braves ‘whipping’ Storm Ciara winds
The Everton fan and fundraiser is running from John O’Groats to Land’s End in his swimming gear.
Rogue trampolines and an Everton fan braving the cold winds in his swimming trunks have been some of the quirkier sightings as Storm Ciara batters the UK and Ireland.
Fundraiser Michael Cullen, better known as Speedo Mick, shared a video of himself tackling the conditions in Glastonbury, Somerset, on a charity walk from John O’Groats to Land’s End – despite Met Office warnings of gusts of more than 90 miles per hour.
“Speedos are designed to get wet and mine are absolutely soaking in this weather,” Mr Cullen told the PA news agency.
“The wind is whipping my back, and it feels like I am getting flogged.
“I really wouldn’t advise anybody else to do this – I can’t believe I am out in this myself but, I am doing this for a really good cause and no storm is going to stop me getting to Land’s End to complete this challenge.”
The Liverpudlian is raising money for community projects for disadvantaged young people and donations have passed £178,000 so far.
In the South East, a trampoline blown onto train tracks in Chelsfield, south London, disrupted rail services to the capital.
“We are working to remove it but will need further staff to assist given its size,” tweeted Network Rail Kent and Sussex early on Sunday morning.
The trampoline was later removed but at around lunchtime another was found in Bickley.
“Oh look… it’s our second trampoline of the day and the lines are blocked and power off. #StormCiara trampoline count: 2,” Network Rail tweeted.
And in the Peak District, trainee rescue dog Geoffrey the springer spaniel practised finding a volunteer posing as a person in need amid blustery conditions.
Geoffrey was filmed playing with a toy in the wind with one of the volunteers – a reward for finding them.
“Our volunteers train twice a week, every week all over the country,” Andrew Keen, of Mountain Rescue Search Dogs England, told PA.
“Even in today’s storm, the dogs need to practice finding people and the handlers working them.
“The bodies are volunteers who all year round, hide on mountainsides so our dogs can learn how to find them.”
