0400hrs:-

Up and dressed, the nerves are tingling. We leave 0430hrs for 45 minutes drive to Balloch.

We are in good spirits and as ready as we could be for entering into the unknown.

Stop at MacDonald’s for coffee and toilet break, Nutty bought drinks and food but toilets closed no choice but to find a bush to go behind.

0530hrs:-

Met with Chris (swim official coordinator) and crew for de-brief.

Naomi (BBC Look North reporter) interviewed Andy.

All training regimes ran through our minds, nothing more to do but change and wait the whistle to enter Loch Lomond.

A short Man Hug, good luck Andy, let’s do this.

I hope I don’t fail, I hope we don’t fail.

0605hrs:-

I am in water waiting Andy.

The 5 seconds countdown is done, 0610hrs we are off.

Weather is good, water is slightly choppy and a current is running across us towards the River Leven. This makes the first hour difficult. If it is to be like this for 24 miles I have doubts about what Andy has taken on.

0800hrs:- Approx 4 miles.

Andy is almost 2 hours into his swim, his stroke is strong and steady, and conditions are good.

I am feeding Andy every 30 minutes, drinks, power gels, bananas, chocolate. I get the scraps.

We are both in good spirit; banter is good although brief, feed stops are short, long way to go.

After one stop I return to boat to replenish the supplies. Andy has decided to swim at 90 degrees from the given direction. Knowing we have 20 miles to go I am not amused to find him adding these extra meters. We see the funny side of it, 24 miles and 80 meters, still a good day out.

0950hrs:- Approx 8 miles.

Passing Luss, the first landmark of recognition for me. I realise for the first time the enormity of Andy’s challenge.

Until now I have been given landmarks as headings, from here and for the next 4 hours the instructions are to head down the middle. We have each other for company but my mate does not speak much whilst swimming, the mind wonders.

Weather changes rapidly on the Loch, we have rain, wind and sunshine.

Everyone on the boat is giving great support, messages from family are written on board by Margaret. Andy just keeps going, the man is a machine.

1245hrs:- Approx 14 miles.

We are closing in on Tarbet, this long lonely swim is just passed midway.

Andy’s family cruise passed, a major lift in spirits is evident, and we both have a teary moment. My back is starting to suffer. I have one great pick me up, the message on Andy’s swimming cap. Nothing is going to stop us.

The relentless swimming stroke of Andy continues, I am in awe of his strength and endurance. Our spirits are good, still having good banter at feed times. Chris has told us off once for apparently enjoying ourselves so much, reminding Andy that he is here to swim.

1500hrs:-Approx 18 miles.

We hit a bad spell, the weather has picked up. The Loch has become very choppy and the Kayak is bouncing. Andy finds this amusing; every breath has become a burst of laughter, what a remarkable man.

I only recall a couple of times when I doubted whether we would finish, possibly more for me than Andy. We are within 5 miles of Ardlui and still going strong.

1630hrs:- 21 miles completed.

Chris tells Andy he only has 3 miles to go (1½ hours), he has a bad 30 minutes and is cramping up. At the feed I remind him why we are here, tell him it is time to dig deep. The next 30 minutes session is probably the best of the day, despite at one stage almost running aground.

I make a mistake by identifying the wrong finish line, Andy is not happy when I have to tell him at the final feed.

After 10hrs 40mins Andy still has the presence of mind to thank me for my help, he realises the beach is next, the family have massed for his arrival. We get our instructions from the boat, Naomi leaves for the beach. I cannot believe we are so close to the end.

5 minutes to go, I stop Andy and point him towards the official finish point. A nod of admiration, we will never forget this time. I peel off to find my landing point.

11hrs 5mins from Balloch and the start, I am helped to my feet by Steve Nutall, without him supporting me I would still be sat in the Kayak. Family and friends hug and kiss us, Andy has achieved his goal.

45 minutes later we are showered and dressed. My admiration for Andy for his achievement I share with all. The day spent the banter our personal goal is left in Ardlui.

Andy Monks you spanked Loch Lomond, the memory of your son Christopher is honoured, it was a pleasure to be involved.

Thanks mate.

 

Steve Grainger