A POWYS GP has successfully swam the English Channel as part of a charity team challenge.

Dr James Wrench, a GP at Builth Wells Medical Practice and also the lead doctor for the South Wales Cardiac Network, carried out the swim last Thursday morning, September 26.

Seven health professionals undertook the gruelling 13 hour challenge in a bid to raise £100,000 for research purposes by the Heart Research Fund for Wales to reduce premature deaths from heart disease across Wales where death rates remain 15 per cent higher than in England.

The team overcame 30 foot waves, 30 mile per winds and bird attacks as they swam from Dover to Cap Gis Nez in France in a verified time of 13 hours and four minutes.

"It was the hardest thing I think we have ever done," said a relieved Dr Wrench, speaking on behalf of the tired team after the swim, "but we did it."

The campaign, in the wake of the swim, has swelled to £16,000 and counting and GP James, who lives near Crickhowell, said he is on a determined drive to hit the target of £100,000, warning that 'cardiac patients in Wales have died while waiting for treatment and quite simply they need faster treatment for cardiac issues.'

He implored: "Please keep the donations coming in as if our overall target of £100,000 can save even one person from dying of heart disease then it will be worth it."

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