Epic adventure on Loch Ness provides huge boost for Cardiac Risk in the Young and leaves paddleboarder awaiting world record news
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A determined paddleboarder raised funds for a heart charity while also trying to break a world record on Loch Ness.
James Fletcher (38) paddled the 36km length of Loch Ness in four-and-a-half hours last week.
Living with a heart arrhythmia, his effort was in aid of Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), a charity which previously helped him.
Good weather conditions earlier this week led to an outstanding day on the water for him and his team of supporters.
“It has still to be ratified by Guinness World Records, but unofficially I am now a record breaker,” he said.
His non-stop paddle – with only his arms propelling him along – took four hours and 33 minutes, beating a previous best of just under an hour longer.
He said: “Overall I must have done more than 15,000 strokes, like a front crawl, over the whole course.
“The challenge was good, the conditions were great. The tailwind was a little awkward at spots and almost pushed me into the bank on a number of occasions.
“It was an epic adventure on one of Scotland’s most beautiful lochs on a day where the weather was in our favour.
“My shoulders took an absolute pounding, but we have already raised £1600, so any donation people are willing or able to give in support of Cardiac Risk in the Young would be greatly appreciated.”
Mr Fletcher, who is from Inverness and works for Forest and Land Scotland, found out he had a heart condition four years ago, while training for an Ironman Triathlon.
Keen not to let anything slow him down, however, he added: “The next adventure is crossing Scotland by prone paddleboard in the Great Glen Endurance Challenge – a distance of 92km – on September 19 and 20.”
Donations to Mr Fletcher’s fundraiser can still be made here
