MARK Blewitt hopes the icy waters of Liverpool's Albert Dock will provide ideal preparation for the annual Manhattan long distance-swimming race.
The 32-year-old, who works for Accrington-based holiday firm Tradewinds, will fulfill a long-term ambition when he takes part in the gruelling 28 mile race around Manhattan Island on June 12. Blewitt will be up against 30 of the world's finest long-distance swimmers as he bids to complete the course within the nine-and-a-half hour time limit.
And preparations have involved stamina training in some of the UK's toughest waters. The Wigan-based swimmer has been competing for six years after being inspired by his grandfather who played water polo for Lancashire in the 1920's.
He has completed the ten-and-a-half mile Windermere swim, last year finished third in the inaugural British Long Distance Grand Prix Championship and is planning a cross Channel swim.
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