A Winnersh woman has raised money by swimming around Manhattan to remember two family members who passed away at a young age.
Hayley Brant, 53, successfully completed the ‘20 Bridges Swim’, a 28.5-mile circumnavigation of the New York borough, in 8 hours 46 minutes.
She undertook this challenge to honour her sister, Heather, who passed away during heart surgery in December 2009, and her nephew, Charlie, who died two months later.
The epic swim also raised funds for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and the suicide prevention charity, Papyrus.
To complete the swim, named after the number of bridges connecting Manhattan to the mainland, Hayley had to contend with strong tidal currents and navigate the busy shipping traffic on the river.
Hayley said: “In most sections, the currents are with you but there are segments where you must swim against them, and it is hard work.
“These sections are tough. You edge forward bit by bit.
“Eventually though you get to where you’re with the current again and you surge forward.
“There were moments when I moved so swiftly; I felt like an Olympic swimmer.”
As this swim occurs in river waters with busy shipping lanes, Hayley was accompanied by a kayaker and a pilot boat to ensure her safety.
Her onboard support team, including her husband Richard, provided regular encouragement and carbohydrate drinks during the long swim.
Hayley added: “Every swimmer has their own way of managing the time spent in the water.
“I don’t think of it as a 28-mile swim; I just try to break it down into segments.
“I swim from one feeding point to the next, chipping away at it that way.
“In my mind, I sing songs that motivate me, and I have mantras that I repeat to occupy my thoughts.
“My husband and a friend were on the support boat, keeping me entertained. People on land were also walking alongside, cheering and applauding me, which helped divert my thoughts.”
Upon completing the swim, Hayley received a warm welcome from friends and supporters, including her sister, Helen, who had flown to New York as a surprise.
Despite just completing this marathon swimming feat, Hayley is already planning her next fundraising challenge: crossing the Catalina Channel.
She said: “There are so many charities out there, but the BHF and Papyrus are very special to me.
“Knowing my fundraising is going to two charities that do such valuable and precious work motivates me to keep going.
“I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has donated and supported me.”
Nicola Reavey, fundraising manager for the BHF, said: “Losing loved ones is always devastating, especially when it is so unexpected. Hayley’s story is a powerful reminder that when lives are lost, they are not forgotten.
“The money she had raised will help the scientists we fund continue their work looking for new ways to prevent and treat conditions and keep families together for longer.”
