UPDATE!!  On August 18, Coach Doug Wright conquered the English Channel and swam 32 miles in under 12 hours.  During the last leg of his swim winds picked up  and reached 20 mph. Swells were between 6 and 12 feet. Jamey indicated that it must have been like watching the “Deadliest Catch” with waves over topping and splashing Doug’s team on the support boat. When Doug reached the French beach a bell was rung to signify his completion of the crossing. However, he had to get back in the water and swim a half mile back to the support boat for the ride back to England. Doug started the swim at about 9 pm our time Tuesday night and ended about 830 am this morning our time. His support team indicated that Doug’s spirits were very high with a smile during his last couple of miles within reach of France. More detailed articles were written in the Davis Enterprise describing Doug’s swim.  He accomplished this great feat to raise money for a UC Davis medical organization run by Duke University-trained geriatrician Michael McCloud, M.D.  The goal is to raise money for Alzheimers research and support.  This research group supports the teaching of physicians to diagnose Alzheimers.

Congratulations, Doug!!

From Doug:  Both of my parents have always supported my swimming.  My mother, who has been diagnosed with advanced stages Alzheimers, did open water swims with me and was a great open water swimmer in her own right.  This swim will be done in her honor but with the goal of helping many peoples involvement with this disease.  Dr. McClouds mission is to improve health care delivery to older adults and to excite young physicians into geriatric careers.  He advises that we all strive to die young as late in life as possible.

The Swim:
On August 16th,  2010, I will be attempting a crossing of the English
Channel.  I will be swimming from Folkstone England to Calais France.  If
the Channel lets me cross I hope to complete the swim in 10-12 hours, but
just to have the honor of finishing will be accomplishment enough.  Water
temperatures will be 55-60 degrees.  In preparation, I will be swimming over
one million training yards for this 21-26 mile ultra swim.  A ten meter
fishing vessel captained by the esteemed Fred Mardle will be my largest
means of support.  Family and friends will serve as my support crew and in
the end this will largely be a team effort.

Your Donation:
You can help conquer Alzheimers and support me on this swim by donating
money to either or both funds.
For Dr. Michael McClouds fund make checks payable to:  U.C. Regents
These monies will go to support research and support being done by Dr.
Michael McCloud in geriatric medicine in regards to dementia with an
emphasis on Alzheimers.
Tax I.D. number is 94-6036494.

For event cost and support, please make checks payable to:    Doug Wright
Between the cost of the flight, room and board, our channel pilot and CSA
(Channel Swimming Association) costs this charity swim will be expensive.
Your donation will help offset these costs.

Send donations to the address below:
Doug Wright
44771 Garden Court
El Macero, CA 95618

Email:  dougbwright@hotmail.com

Phone:  530.207.7232

Your support is greatly appreciated!

www.channelswimmingassociation.com

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