Colchester boy to swim 8,840 metres for Alzheimer's Society

Jarad Rowe, is preparing to swim a whopping 8,849 metres to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society, in honour of his grandad Zubbi, who died after battling Alzheimer's.

After deciding he wanted to do "something challenging", Jarad was inspired by those who have previously fundraised by climbing the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest.

Taking place on December 22 - to avoid any negative impact on his education - Jarad's huge test of endurance will take place in the Leisure World pool and see him swim 354 25-metre lengths.

This distance led Jarad to come up with the idea of setting a £354 fundraising target - one pound for every length.

Skilled - Jarad Rowe doing his favourite backstroke during a competition (Image: Matthew Rowe)

He will complete the distance - also equal to the height of nearly 11 of the world’s tallest building, Dubai’s Burj Khalifa - over the course of one day, with breaks for drink, rest, and food to protect his health.

Jarad, a keen swimmer, has only ever done a one-off 1500-metre race but hopes his regular training sessions at Colchester Swimming Club will stand him in good stead. 

His dad Matthew, who came up with the idea, said: “He’s got the swimming technique and the fitness. 

"I think it’s going to be a big challenge, but it is possible.”

Jarad, who has always been a natural, according to his dad, first got in the pool after joining the Colchester Swimming Academy before graduating to the Colchester Swimming Club.

Michelle Young, head coach at Colchester Swimming Club, said: “Everyone at Colchester Swimming Club is extremely proud of Jarad.

"It’s a very difficult challenge but he’s a strong swimmer who trains hard and we’re sure he’ll be successful."

Impressively, Jarad has already raised nearly £700 for charity.

Matthew said: “Maybe the amount raised already is indicative of how many people have been affected by this disease.”

To donate visit justgiving.com/page/swimfordementia2023-jarad-rowe