Expat to swim around The World on November 21

A British expat will swim 25-kilometres, for the first time, around The World islands on November 21 to raise funds against a devastating muscle disease that affects millions of children worldwide.

Kate Willoughby will begin at Baja California Island in the west of the North American islands and finish over 10 hours and 25 kilometres later on the same spot,.

The swimmer, who is raising funds in aid of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, will begin her challenge at dawn, travelling past South America, Antarctica, and her birthplace of New Zealand, Tokyo, Siberia, Greenland and Alaska before being joined by her family, relatives and event sponsors back at Baja California Island.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a fatal illness affecting millions of children, including Kate's six-year-old nephew, Harrison, who will be in Dubai to see Kate finish the swim.

Brendan Jack, Nakheel Head of Environment and Sustainability, who compiled the route, said: "We first announced Kate's swim back in August, but were unable to reveal the route until now as we had to carefully monitor and assess tidal movements and long term-weather forecasts. We are coming into the winter Shamal season and waves and currents at The World can be affected by strong winds.

“We have chosen the start/finish island and the route to get Kate past the areas of strongest currents at the best times, while covering the minimum 25kms Kate needs to qualify as an open water long distance swim. We also needed to finish the swim in daylight hours.”

Kate Willoughby, who initiated the event, said: “This swim challenge has been a long term project. I first came up with the idea in November last year and training started officially in January this year. It certainly has been a challenge and at times the long hours of training have been lonely and hard. But I have been so fortunate that throughout this last year I have received incredible support from family, friends and the Dubai business community.

“I feel so lucky to be able to undertake this unique swim and use an iconic and well known Dubai landmark to raise awareness and money for a little known illness. I am particularly grateful to Nakheel as there has been a lot of logistics and planning involved and without their amazing support none of this would be possible.”

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