Polish extreme swimmer Piotr Biankowski has completed a breathtaking charity swim across the mythical Loch Ness to crowdfund money for parents of sick children both in his hometown and neighbouring Wejherowo, near his hometown Gdynia.

The 47-year-old man swam 12 hours and 16 minutes across the 23-mile challenge altogether, becoming the first Pole with such an achievement. As the Inverness Courier reports, Biankowski braved waters of just 13 degrees.

https://twitter.com/MiastoGdynia/status/1551551127300308995?s=20&t=Jw-SdqWKaFoOKKlClwFylA

All the money raised by Mr Biankowski was handed to the Ronald McDonald Foundation, which provides beds for the parents of children stuck in Polish hospitals. 

“Loch Ness set the bar high for me; there was a long waiting time for the favourable weather ‘window’, cold water, strong wind and low air temperature. […] I gained a new experience and had an incredibly warm welcome by the fans on the shore. Scotland, thank you. My dream has come true here.” – the swimmer joyfully explained after his remarkable achievement on his Facebook.

According to the Inverness Courier, the money raised will be used to buy comfortable beds that can be used as chairs during the day by parents waiting for their children to recover. 

Images: James Mackenzie 

Author: Sébastien Meuwissen