Heart attack victim swims almost two miles

Honiton pensioner completes amazing feat.

A HONITON heart attack victim who vowed to swim a mile for charity admits he felt “knackered” after completing the feat.

But brave Dave Wigmore, 75, says he soon recovered and is pleased to have raised at least �100 for the welfare section of the Honiton branch of the Royal British Legion.

Mr Wigmore, who underwent heart by-pass surgery in 1983 and 2003, ended up swimming more than a mile - thanks to 50 “warm-up lengths” at Honiton Swimming Pool.

Vince Palmer and Belinda Dickens, of the Royal British Legion Club in Honiton, have praised Dave’s efforts, which took place over two-and-a-half hours.

After completing the mile, Mr Wigmore managed a further six lengths of the pool - “to cool down”.

In total, he managed 114 lengths. He only needed to swim just 64.

“It was knackering, but I would do it again,” he said.

Mr Wigmore received on-going support and swimming lessons from Kevin Weaver, of Honiton Sports Centre and Swimming Pool, and says he would like to thank him for his encouragement.

Mr Weaver told the Midweek Herald: “He progressed really well and very quickly.

“He could only swim ten lengths to start with.

“He came to lessons to learn how to breathe, improve his stroke and work on stamina and endurance.

“He has worked hard and achieved a massive amount. He ended up swimming almost two miles!”

Mr Wigmore wishes to thank everyone who supported his venture.