AN eight year old Scot has managed to swim 22 miles across the English Channel – all from the comfort of his local swimming pool.
Determined youngster Ivan Burt-Smith managed to swim 1,416 lengths of the pool near his home in Selkirk, Scottish Borders, to raise cash to repair the roof of his Scout hall.
Ivan underwent seven gruelling weeks of training, swimming approximately 55 lengths per session, three to five times a week, as his proud mum Jan kept track of his progress by ticking off her clip board.
The family gathered with supporters to witness Ivan swim his final 20 lengths on Tuesday. Mum Jan said: “Everytime I talk to anybody I get tears in my eyes, I’m bursting with pride.”
Speaking after his achievement, the eight-year-old said: “I was getting tired. At the moment I’m going to go to cubs, but I’m probably going to go swimming more often now.”
Ivan was also given a surprise awarded for his endeavour by his local scout group. So far he has raised nearly £2,000 for the club.
