Women to swim around Manhattan Island

AN outdoor swimmer and river campaigner is to swim around Manhattan Island to raise money for a fish conservation charity.

Laura Reineke, a member of the Henley Mermaids open water swimming group and found of Henley Music School, will take on the
20 Bridges challenge, a 48.5km night swim around Manhattan Island in New York on June 21.

She is raising money for WildFish, having joined the charity as fundraising and marketing lead.

WildFish is the only independent charity in the UK fighting to protect wild fish and their waters.

Ms Reineke says she will spearhead fundraising initiatives and lead marketing campaigns aimed at raising awareness of blue spaces and their inhabitants.

She has previously undertaken swimming feats including a solo crossing of the Channel last year. This time, she will swim in tandem with her friend and training partner Lee Saudan, who swam the Channel in 2022.

The pair’s swim around Manhattan Island will be part of their attempt to take the triple crown of swims, completed by only 331 people. This includes the Channel, 20 Bridges and the Catalina Channel. The pair completed the Robben Island Freedom swim in South Africa together in 2022, swimming alongside whales, sharks and seals.

Ms Reineke, who lives in Binfield Heath, said: “I’ve found my perfect job at WildFish. I am really looking forward to contributing to the evidence-based work they do which is vital in protecting our waterways.

“Together, we will strive to make a meaningful impact on wild fish and their conservation.”

Nick Measham, the chief executive of WildFish, said: “We are proud of Laura’s commitment to our cause. Her determination to push the boundaries of endurance swimming while raising funds exemplifies the spirit of our organisation.”

Ms Saudan said: “Laura and I love swimming in tandem. Ultra distance endurance swimming is seen as a lonely sport, but in fact it takes a big team to take on these swims.”

Ms Reineke is being sponsored by estate agent Philip Booth Esq and Healthium Clinics.

To make a donation, visit https://gofund.me/c601ff12