Conquering the world for friendship

A special friendship has pushed an ordinary man to extraordinary lengths.

John Jameson (St Lucia) was moved when he met 10-year-old Coen Ashton in January this year at the Brisbane Royal Children’s Hospital, so much so that their friendship will see Mr Jameson attempt a feat that so many before him have failed.

In August Mr Jameson, who trains at UQ Sport, will head to the other side of the world in an attempt to swim the English Channel, considered the greatest swimming test in the world.

He completed the 25km English Channel qualifying swim at Black Rock in Melbourne on Anzac Day.

Swimming in 14- to 16-degree water, Mr Jameson completed the eight-hour journey without problem.

He is hoping to raise $250,000 for the Royal Children’s Hospital to be invested in respiratory research, a feat he is very modest about.

“I’m just an ordinary guy really, trying to do my best to help out,” Mr Jameson said.

“Everything is worthwhile when you think about the kids we’re trying to help.

“Although the training is hard work, I take my hat off to those kids at the Royal Children’s Hospital.

“None of us would like to think that our children will end up in hospital but unfortunately some do.”

Coen was born with cystic fibrosis, a common genetic disorder affecting the lungs and digestive system for which there is ultimately there is no cure.

He has been in and out of hospital for much of his life and doctors say it is an achievement for Coen to even have celebrated his 10th birthday.

“The least I can do is to raise as much money as possible to give children like Coen every chance possible in life."

Mr Jameson has the backing of the Royal Children’s Hospital, who are helping him raise the funds and will have a representative accompany him to England.

When asked why the English Channel, Mr Jameson said he wanted to challenge himself the way these children are challenged each day of their lives.

“Why not? I was after the ultimate challenge and the English Channel is considered the hardest swim in the world,” he said.

Swimming the English Channel has a 90 percent failure rate, even though most swimmers are hardened veterans.

“There are many factors against the swimmer, including a high risk of hyperthermia, sharks, weather conditions and then there’s self doubt,” Mr Jameson said.

“But I have no doubt that I will make it across, the brave children that I have got to know are more than enough inspiration to keep my arms and legs pumping until I reach my goal.”

Mr Jameson had never been much of a swimmer but with the help of UQ Aquatic Centre Manager, Jae Marr, he has made excellent progress.

“Before I came to Jae I’d never swam more than 1.5km and the Channel swim is around 35km,” Mr Jameson said.

“The challenge is a huge commitment but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

“The way I see it, my efforts are nothing compared to the help that the Royal Children’s Hospital provides to so many people and their families every single day.”

Find further information on John’s challenge at www.workingwonders.com.au

Media: Stephen Danckert at UQ Sport (07 3346 7520 or stephend@uqsport.uq.edu.au)