There is a large amount of administration necessary to swim the Channel. In the year of the swim, a medical, registration, and a ratified six hour swim (in cold water) has to take place. With the exception of the swim, all monies and forms have to be received by the Channel Swimming Association by April.
HallmarkHulme, in their continued support of this event, have generously agreed to fund the registration fees. This takes a tremendous amount of pressure off me, due to the rapidly approaching cutoff date. But those fees cannot be submitted without the completed medical forms.
Initial inquires regarding a medical were somewhat inconclusive. The medical centre were not sure what was required, who would carry it out, or even if there would be a charge. A figure of £200 was speculated.
A two-way telephone dialogue continued for over a week. Eventually I suggested that I sent in the blank forms to Spring Gardens Medical Centre, such that the staff could understand exactly what information was being requested. I attached a covering, explaining that Dr. Blaine had attended to Harry, so he would know who I was.
To my delight, not only did Dr. Blaine remember me, but he subsequently offered to complete the medical for no charge.
Any last chances of a final reprieve were lost when the doctor quickly but thoroughly pronounced me 100% fit to attempt the swim. Apparently my blood pressure was 'perfect'.
So that's it..... There really is no turning back now!
HallmarkHulme, in their continued support of this event, have generously agreed to fund the registration fees. This takes a tremendous amount of pressure off me, due to the rapidly approaching cutoff date. But those fees cannot be submitted without the completed medical forms.
Initial inquires regarding a medical were somewhat inconclusive. The medical centre were not sure what was required, who would carry it out, or even if there would be a charge. A figure of £200 was speculated.
A two-way telephone dialogue continued for over a week. Eventually I suggested that I sent in the blank forms to Spring Gardens Medical Centre, such that the staff could understand exactly what information was being requested. I attached a covering, explaining that Dr. Blaine had attended to Harry, so he would know who I was.
To my delight, not only did Dr. Blaine remember me, but he subsequently offered to complete the medical for no charge.
Any last chances of a final reprieve were lost when the doctor quickly but thoroughly pronounced me 100% fit to attempt the swim. Apparently my blood pressure was 'perfect'.
So that's it..... There really is no turning back now!
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