Congratulations to Brain Tumour Research supporter Neil Brinkworth, who has been selected as one of Plymouth’s ‘People of the Decade’.
Neil’s accolade from the Plymouth Herald came after he challenged himself to swim the English Channel in July 2019. His epic 21-mile swim from Dover to Calais, across one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, raised more than £9,700.
Like many others, Neil knows only too well the devastation brain tumours can cause, after losing a close friend in August 2016 to a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). He has also lost colleagues to the disease.
Dad-of-one Neil, 47, said: “It was awful and shocking to see how quickly my friend and colleagues deteriorated. I wanted to do something positive in their memory and fundraising has been a great way of keeping their legacy alive.
“Swimming the English Channel was incredibly tough and the hardest part was towards the end. The wind picked up and I was exhausted, desperate to reach the French shore. While I had a strict training schedule, nothing could prepare me for the day. It was a huge challenge and I was pleased to complete the swim in less than 18 hours.
“Along with raising the profile of the amazing work undertaken by Brain Tumour Research, I’m extremely proud to be named as one of Plymouth’s ‘People of the Decade’.”
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