Phuket Ironman scales Mont Blanc; then goes off to swim The Channel

PHUKET: Ironman athlete Les Bird made it safely to the 4,810 meter summit of Europe’s highest mountain, Mont Blanc, on Saturday. He spent the next two days getting back down.

For our previous report click here:

British-born Les and climbing partner Harry Taylor arrived back at their base camp in the Chamonix Valley on Monday. But before he could even catch his breath, Les was off again.

Keeping the Gazette apprised through SMS messages, Les wrote early this morning: “Made it. On my way back to England. I swim maybe tomorrow, but first I have to meet with my safety boat captain.”

And the meaning of his cryptic message?

Les plans to undertake a light swim across part of the English Channel this week. Of course, what else would you do to relax after climbing Europe’s highest mountain?

Les was climbing Mont Blanc to raise money for children under the care of the Child Watch Phuket Foundation.

Those wishing to help Ironman Les reach his one-million-baht goal for Child Watch Phuket can do so by donating to the following account:

Account Information: ALPS CHILDWATCH Fundraising
Account Name: ALPS-CHILDWATCH
Account No: 8190174339
Bank Name: Krung Thai
Bank Branch: Rassada Road
Swift Code: Account Name:Account No:Bank Name: KRTHTHBK

Website: www.childwatchphuket.org.

— Fraser Morton