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Record-breaking para-swimmer shows support for Harrogate charity

Para-swimmer Jonty Warneken supporting Open Country.

A record-breaking paralympic swimmer has visited Harrogate to show his support for local charity Open Country.

A sell-out audience at Harrogate’s West Park Hotel saw ice swimming champion and open water swimmer extraordinaire Jonty Warneken speak at a fundraising event for Open Country.

Record-breaking Jonty – the first amputee to complete the notorious North Channel swim – gave a brief history of his previous adventures before describing his formidable North Channel swim, facing freezing temperatures, choppy seas and stings from toxic jellyfish.

The event raised hundreds of pounds for Open Country - a charity dedicated to helping people with a disability to access and enjoy the countryside, of which Jonty is a trustee.

A spokesperson for Open Country said:

"Jonty’s gritty determination to persevere in the face of fear, pain, dark water, and monotony, combined with his characteristic humour, made for a riveting and inspiring evening.

"Open Country would like to thank Jonty and the West Park Hotel for their kind support, and to everyone who attended."

For more information on Open Country visit www.opencountry.org.uk

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