By Trevor Baxter
IRON MAN Phil Beard only has one challenge left after completing his longest swim yet – to get back on the moors saving lives.
And finishing a 100-length charity event at Saddleworth Pool in Uppermill suggests the 60-year-old is on course to soon resume his duties with Oldham Mountain Rescue Team.
Cheered on by friends and fellow members, brave Phil from Uppermill completed his target distance within the hour.
The impressive feat comes after the dad of two battled back from horrific injuries after almost losing his life after a fall during an OMRT training exercise at Upperwood Quarry near Dovestone last year.
A 60-foot plunge onto rocks left him critically injured, suffering internal bleeding and multiple broken bones.
But he survived thanks to colleagues who treated him at the scene and the skill of specialists at Salford Royal Hospital.
“I had never swam 100 lengths before; the furthest I’d done was 80,” Phil told the Saddleworth Independent within minutes of climbing out of the water.
“So, I kept pushing myself and pushing myself. How do I feel? Knackered.
“But it’s just part of getting fit again. The only other challenge now is to get back on the hills with these guys.
“It’s been a long time so far but I have been patient enough,” added Phil.
OMRT colleagues turned out in force to witness his successful freestyle swim complete with tumble turns and some final length show boating despite the metal rods and plates inserted during surgery 18 months earlier.
“This lot saved my life and it’s absolutely unbelievable I am still here,” he acknowledged.
To say thanks Phil’s swim is helping raise funds for OMRT and the North West Air Ambulance. To donate go online.
You must be logged in to post a comment.