Post here your support for Tom's A2A attempt

Best of luck Tom!

The waiting game is the worst bit. Once you're in it, just hold steady!

All the best,

Dan Benson

Having coached Tom for the last year, his preparation has been very impressive. He has progressed his sea swimming endurance by making full use of the Enduroman boat in Weymouth completing swims of 8 hours in duration. He has competed in ultra triathlons and progressed his runs to over 8 hours also. With only 3 weeks left before his challenge, he now starts his taper.

I wish you the very best of luck Tom and I look forward to being with you every step of the way in September.

Steve

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Steve Haywood
Enduroman

As one of Steves Double Iron UK finishers - your even trying to start the A 2 A is icredible. Very best of luck. Fingers crossed for fair weather on the swim.

All the best for Arch to Arc.

Good luck Tom

The weather has started to look a little more promising for the weekend so fingers crossed that the swim will go ahead on Saturday. I spoke to Tom today who sounds well up for it and can't wait to get started.

I have also spoke with Tom's film crew who will be following Tom throughout the challenge. Tom has a fantastic support crew behind him - stock up on the red bull guys!!

There appears to be a break in the bad weather this Friday. We may have to bring the challenge forward by one day which would mean starting the run tomorrow morning. I will keep you posted.

Steve

Well, this is it and just wanted to say from me and Gregg you are a madman but V brave. I'm keeping my fingers crossed all goes to plan for A-2-A and the crossing is quick and painless!
Everyone I've mentioned this to thinks you are nuts but we're all behind you 100%.
Look forward to catching up on Wed/Thurs/Fri? this week.
Best wishes
Natalie & Gregg xx
Email: nataliefox3@hotmail.co.uk

Good luck Tom. Don't let them get you lost!

Hi Tom from all of us here at Johnson we wish you all the best and a safe adventure. Really hope the weather is good to you for the swim. Robbie watching your progress in awe, thinks you're crazy and he definitely 'not'. Will follow your daily successes onwards and upwards.

Hey Julian. Eddie is resting up before ninos attempt so its just me on this one. I will text u when we have a confirmed start time. it would be great if you are around and could make it to the start like you did for me. im sure tom would appreciate it just as I did.

Steve

We still have to make a decision whether or not to start the run tomorrow. Saturday is not looking good for a swim at the moment. There is low pressure sitting right on top of the UK at the moment which brings with it cold temperatures and wind. Things can change though....

Hi Steve, let me know and I will do my best to get there. Rugby season starts this weekend though so I am up to my ears. Definitely let me know and I will hopefully be able to get down to the Arch.

The run is off for tomorrow. I will update in the morning. Stay patient Tom. He who dares..

Steve

Steve

Dont you think its time you pulled your socks up and sorted out this weather, the support team are getting bored and it wont be long before we find some trouble to get ourselves into

The support team could always start the run now. I'm sure Tom will catch you up

From the pressure charts, we are waiting for the high pressure to move north from the south. It is predicted to sit over the channel Monday or Tuesday. Of course, things can change either way. Although Enduroman have the power to make a man immortal, we haven't quite figured out how to change the weather yet. Must try harder!!

Steve

Right then.... there is a window of opportunity to swim at 4.30am on Monday. This will be confirmed at 4pm this evening. If we get good news, then the run will start at 12.30pm tomorrow (Saturday) lunch time.

Looks like its going to a wet run!

hope the run goes well Tom and your not too soggy by the time you get to Dover, good luck

Game on! 12.30pm start tomorrow afternoon. Over to you Tom.......

good luck Tom. Hope you get that weather window. I've been reading your blog and been very impressed with your preparation. Good luck. Enduroman No 5 ?????

Good luck Tom, all the best mate!!

Hey Tom wishing you all the Best. Go Man Go! Good luck to all the Support Team.

All the best Tom you mental *******!!

I have told so many folk about this crazy challenge so I will tell even more when you complete it!

Hutch (Alex Miller's husband)

Good luck buddy. looking forward to catching up soon.

It is 10.50am Saturday morning and the sun is trying to shine here, so let's hope that is a good omen. Whatever happens along the way just stay focused and believe in yourself. With all the training you have done your body knows what it is doing. If your mind tries to persuade you it has had enough ...SING... SMILE... that works for me!!! I will try and get to see you at some point on the run but in case I do not make it, just wanted to let you know I am with you in spirit and soul. Every ounce of my willpower is at your disposal, should you need draw on it have a little sing and it will be there.

Lots of love

Fay

Still waiting for Tom to arrive for start

Tom as arrived, just sorting his feet out

Hi, Best of Luck, !!!

We're all spurring you on from Sunny Soudley & hoping you do really well.
We've all heard about how hard you've been training & you really deserve to do well!
Good Luck!

Tom now at four miles,soaking wet but smiling

Tom`s start time was 13.15hrs. he is now 1hr 30min into his run..Enjoy it Tom

Best of luck, hope the Channel is calm for you. We will keep an eye on your progress.

Dave and Emma.

Coming up to first planned stop at 10mile point.Nice constant pace, taking in loads of water and peeing in peoples front gardens

Steve not very happy !!!!! Tom declined portion of chips then decided to steal handfuls of Steves chips..Steve may accidentally add a few miles onto Toms run route.

good luck tom the weather is not quite as bad as the oner.

good luck mike trew.

19 miles done.Tom has slight leg pains but nothing serious. Now in Kent and looking good. Rain as been continous since Marble Arch.
Tom is having no problems with nutrition. Film crew in attendance

Hi Tom, wishing you all the best Love Nanette and family

Mike thanks for all the updates thus far. Great to know whats happening out there, while keeping tabs on the progress made from Dubai. Good luck to you Tom and wishing Bob and the rest of the crew a great journey.

Gerald , thank you, you are very welcome. Lets hope that Tom is going to enjoy this as much as we will

keep up the good work Tom you are doing really well

Claire Smith up for the 2010 challenge at Marble Arch Waiting for the start of Toms attempt,,,

Toms start point and raining...

Just had second stop ot 30 mile point.Bacon and beans, Tom feels like a new man. Head torch as gone on, Oh yeah...Its still raining.Looking strong, no problems at this stage.

Good luck Tom...And his support team

32 miles enroute to Maidstone..Physio as flushed the knots out of Toms legs. He feels fresh but not smellingfresh

My Badgers have arrived

Tom sorting his feet out.

Hi Tom
Following your progress!Sounds like you are going great despite the elements!Keep strong & focused best of luck for the swim & bike, will check in again later! If you need anything from me (eyewear wise!) let me know and I will get it to you!!!! Stay safe buddy!

Good going Tom, enjoy the night running!

All messages of support will be passed on to Tom and I am sure that they will give him a great lift during the night run. GOOD RUNNING TOM

keep going Tom, excellent running

Tom long night ahead but no sweat ... just like the ultra in wales mate you'll love it in the morning when you see the end of the run. Just one stride at a time. best of luck out there!!! nino

Over half way,,45 miles...Just stopped at Tesco Express for Pasta and Fruit

good evening tom,

what can i say, other than give this A2A your very best, as i am sure you will.

fingers crossed for a smooth sea tomorrow.

all the best Ramsay and Lucy

70 miles still at same pace.stopping in 15min for breakfast, Tom starting to cane the Red Bull.Rain finally stopped

Passing Folkstone race course. Had a bit of a scare with Tom loosing fluids but back on the road now.71 miles done

Goodmorning to all. Glad to hear that the rain has stopped hopefully it will stay away for the rest of the time. Also Pray that the weather Gods will be kind for the swim. Enjoy the breakfast Tom. Francis, Robbie etc all wish you the best of luck. Take care. Go well Go safely.

Tom ...nice dude great running through the night! head down and turn out the last few miles in some good weather!

9 miles to go...It was touch and go for a while,,,but now walking through Folkstone

09.30hrs....4 miles to go at the 20hr point..Tom started to perk up again...We can see the Channel !!! It looks beautiful and calm.

Tom at 2200hrs last night

wow, tommy great progress over night,

your last photo looks like Henry had you doing some work on the railway?!?!?!?

keep it up big man

Love Shank

Love the orange jacket, Tom, very sexy!!! Hope you are feeling proud of yourself...one bit down...you'll be in the land of fasion and frogs before you know it... lots of love
Fay

Fashion...that should have been! I guess shopping will be the furthest thing from your mind when you finish!!! But you should definately treat yourself to something fab at the end of this...Fay x

well done Tom. Good luck with the swim, love Nanette and the boys

Finished run in 21hrs 19min...Will find out at 18.00hrs if the 0200hr swim is on tomorrow morning

Well done Tom, you're THE MAN! One down.... hope the swim goes well.

Nice one Tom. Enjoy the rest -- the best is yet to come.

Well done this far keep up the pace these footballers couldn't manage it. Best of luck. Rob

Hi Julian ( Enduroman 3 ) I bet this as jogged memories for you of your run in your challenge !!! Did you feel any of Tom`s pain ? Hope he as a good sleep along with the support team and Steve. Will not know till around 18.00hrs if its a go for the 02.00hr swim tomorrow. Weather here in Cornwall is sunny, with blue skies and slight breeze.

A couple of buds and 2 hours sleep and I feel like a new man. I'm going to go over to Tom's hotel shortly to see how he is. Up to the 70 mile mark Tom's performance ran like clockwork. An increase in temperature in the middle of the night mixed in with Tom struggling to take on fluids meant we had a major problem at one stage but Tom pulled through and walked the remaining 17 miles into Dover.

As Mike says, I have a meeting with the boat pilot at 6pm to see what time / if, we swim tomorrow. From what I can see, a Sunday evening swim is definately on. I would still prefer Tom to swim in the morning though.

Steve

It is great to see you have completed the run...well done Tom and the crew. I visited Gerald Topfer this afternoon and found Gerald, Robbie and some members of his team huddled around his PC monitoring your fantastic effort. Your are an inspiration to my family, and many others I am sure. Caroline, Bryan, Mark and Jade see your progress on the web and cheer you on all the way from Dubai. We are right behind you Tom praying for good weather for the swim...come on!

Wow Tom - You did fantastic. REad through all the posted comments and was holding my breath. Amazing. Felt the pain. At least you get to have a 'salt soak' before the bike ride. Love to the family. Big cheers for you.

Well done - Hamish could have done it in 20hours, but has settled for a run round the field today. Here's hoping for a calm day tomorrow!

Hi Mike, great job you are doing in keeping us all up dated. Yes, it brought back some very painful memories -- I had a nightmare run. Really hope Tom gets the weather he needs for the swim!

Just returned from meeting with boat pilot. The swim is ON!!! for 4.30am tomorrow morning. We are all meeting at the marina at 3.30am. I will be texting Mike during the swim so that you are all kept informed. Thanks Dad.

Everybody on the team here is behind Tom 100%. Best of luck mate. Enduroman No 5??

Steve

Thomas!! Well done so far keep going you gentle giant. I'm pregnant with my second, and if I can grow a baby, you can do this!! Good luck with your swim big lad xx

good luck for the swim Tom, well done on the run

Hey Tommy!

Back in London now, still feeling the affects of the sleep depravation from the run leg.

Heard the news about the swim getting the go ahead.

Thoughts with you big guy. If anyone can, you can Beav Daddy!

Strength,

Johnny (Limpus)

Tom, also we Belgians are following your trip as much as we can. Well done so far!!, good luck with the swim and we are pretty sure to see you in Paris. Take care, Harry & Saskia.

Tom, Looking good with the weather. Now good luck out there later this morning I hope it all goes well mate. cheers

Houston checking in. Guess you should get this before the swim. So glad to hear operation swim is a go. Spoke to Ma today -Granny says Mitch is missing you. Both me and Scot wish you lots of strength for your swim. Glad you've got the family there to support you. I'll check in again tomorrow. Lots of love. Houston out.

They all met up at Marine at 03.30hrs. Swim started at 04.31hrs. Sea very lumpy but Tom now well clear of Harbour wall.There are four other boats out today but they are mainly Relay Teams.Toms night glow stick as been ripped of by the waves but there is plenty of light from the boat.Its going to be rough out there today.

A big shout out from Dubai Tom, we are tuned in to your swim and supporting you and your crew all the way. COME ON !

I am trying to imagine what it would be like to have covered what you did yesterday and now be in the sea on your way to France. Quite scarey really!!!! You are truly an amazing individual and I look forward to meeting you at the "Double Iron" next year.

So,so willing you on....keep going....

Love Fay

Hi Mike, do you have any update on Tom's swim? What is the weather like today? Go Tom Go! To the rest of the team best of luck.

Good luck mate.
Doing amazingly well.
Jemima says hi too!!!

Hi Gerald,,,Sorry not had any updates since the 05.30hrs one..Think Steve may have his hands full feeding Tom.Not sure if Tom as been shown how to peel a Banana or eat Fig Biscuits without them going soggy in the sea, so could be a big learning curve for Tom. Will update as soon as Steve send one..Thanks

No doubt Steve's main concern is looking after Tom and making sure he gets exactly what he wants and when he wants it. Really hope the sea has calmed down a bit and Tom is in the groove. Very tough to get any rhythm going in the channel, but he has done the training and is in good hands. Go Tom!

Thanks for input Julian,,always good to hear off a man who as done it and survived

Steve taught Tom the Banana and Fig bit months ago..They are now 6 mile out of Dover so well over quarter done. Toms been sick a few times and struggling to hold down nutrition...He was the same in training so no worries off Steve

Tom.
great going so far mate, its one hell of a journey thats for sure. Just keep those arms going, and then make the legs catch up on the bike.
Fantastic effort so far, i'm sure your mind can overcome any issues your body is having.
Go hard, or go home...
Bruce

Mike is having trouble logging on to the site but will be back asap. Tom is doing well.

Go for it Tom

Keep going Tommy! All well here in the mighty 'Rop. Granny bear, Hamish, Tallulah and Whisper all fine. You are doing amazingly well!! Jo x

Hope all is well with the swim another big shout from the Gavigan Clan...COME ON!

Hi Tom, here at Johnson Arabia everybody is glued to their computer monitors waiting for the next update. We are all behind you and your support team, wishing you all calm seas. Keep going, you're doing great!!! Jaco

Just coming on for halfway....Not taking much nutition due to sickness..Slowing down but still moving forward

Just been talking about Tom on my radio show. Thanks to John Gavigan for the tip off. Sounds absolutely amazing - go for it and good luck, we are all right behind you (at a very safe distance!)

Hi, heard about the triathlon on the radio and just sending a message of support, what your doing is AMAZING!!!!!! Good luck to all involved!!

Tompedo - keep it going mate - this is truly remarkable - everyone at the Houston Dynamos Academy is behind you

Thanks for sending support for Tom, Radio Guys n Gals

Dig in Tom. All the best.
Harry

Hang in there Tom, truly inspirational, you're an absolute super star!

Thinking about you...you are amazing...inspirational...I may have never met you but I adore you anyway...keep strong...you are going to do it...Love Fay

Big feller it's killing me not being able to join you out there. You're going like a true hero. I've got my fingers and ears crossed that the weather doesn't turn. Please ask Neil to do another plot on the AIS.

For people following Tom's swim you can see the progress via AIS (when updated) at this link http://www.aisliverpool.org.uk/shiptrail.php?mmsi=235018589

Go Tom Go!!!

The Mundays,
Wake Forest, NC
USA

Nice link Hamish, thanks for posting it. Good to see him plotting a pretty good route across the channel, hope it stays that straight and does not zig-zag too much. Keep at it Tom, you are going great guns!

just spoken to Henry from the boat so he has about 6 miles to go and is doing brilliantly! Jo x

Fantastic. Great going Tom keep it up.

Go Cousin Toe! Told all my collegues at Chevron about you, and been giving them updates. They all think it is great, and send their encouragement. Actually got guilted by your efforts and walked the stairs to my office (on the 4th floor). Is that tragic or what?! Anyway keep going. The French coast is not far now. Lots of Love Maria xx

Tom fantastic stuff. Keep it going! Have been following your progress all day on internet. Not long to go now. All the best from the Bennetts.

Six miles left. Tom as to pick up the pace as the Tide as changed.If he speeds up then he as another six hours of swimming. if not,,,then we are looking at another twelve hours...Mother nature can be crule...( see Steves blog from last year on his swim ) ,,,,he almost went to Spain

It is a cruel stretch of water indeed, but Tom can do it. This is what he has trained for and we are all right behind him. Dig deep Tom.

Beav you can do it. You know you can. I am willing you on with all my might

Keep Going Tom

My Dad and I have been following your progress since yesterday and have to say we are really impressed.


Keep Up The Good Work

Not too far now

U can almost say Bonjour!!

Great link Hamish,,thanks.. I will be glued to it..Wish I could copy /paste to here but not sure about copywrite...Focus and dig deep Tom,,,this IS the a2a

Good Effort Tom' keep it going mate! will be keeping tabs on your progress & hope to hear confirmation of a new record in the not too distant future!
Go Beaver!

You are doing a fantastic job. The staff and doctors at the 5 hospitals where I practice are getting very little patient care done because they are all glued to this web site tracking your progress and cheering you on. Hang in there, we are all behind you, including DeDe, Lacey, and Couper, our 3 weimaraners!

Tom..What you have done and are doing is awesome. Us mere mortals can not even begin to understand how you endure the pain or where your reserves come from. What we do know is that our thoughts and prayer are with you every step of the way,,all the way

Tom struggling to break through the tides..Had to swim backwards around an anchored ship as we were drifting into it...This is a real test for Tom. if he does it ....He is hardcore ! Still around 5 Miles to go

FANTASTIC TOM.... KEEP GOING YOU ARE A STAR. XX

Tom, you don't know me but I'm Harry's dad!
40 years ago I was very fit. Not as fit as you maybe but pretty scarily fit.
I'm now old and fat. Not as fat as some but pretty scarily fat.

Be warned :-)

Alph

PS
Make the best of these painful moments. When you discover sex you wont be doing it again.

WELL DONE TOM WE ARE FOLLOWING YOUR PROGRESS ON THE NET. WHAT AN AMAZING ACHEIVEMENT WE ARE WAITING TO HEAR YOU'VE LANDED EN FRANCE.
LOTSA LOVE THE BALLAHOOLIGANS XXXXX

Tom, the suspense is killing us!! refresh button on monitor is almost worn out & no work done today. Best wishes but we know you can do it.

Julian...Input please...Is the world record attempt still on. No good at admin anymore,,too idle to go through all my files

C'MON TOM

Not long to go

Im sure everyone there is fully behind

Keep up the good work

from all the Bennetts

go Tom. Love Nanette and boys

Ed's record of 81hrs was with a 19hr swim i think.
But Tom's first aim must be to get a shore now.
Come on Tom dig in now. One stroke at a time mate!

Good Luck Tom
This is Shaun (Nino Baglione's mate), the guy who partially served as your support crew at the Wales Ultra Triathlon when the White Van hit a sheep and shafted both tyres, laugh.....

Nino just informed me that you were in the channel so thought i'd wish u all the luck.
Shaun

hey tom liked the orange jacket,hang on you didnt order it from me !! well done and keep going.build a bridge for the channel when you get back you can run it instead then!! keep it going mate

Tom,

You madman. Just reachinglast 3 weeks before Garda. I don't know how you do it. Keep it up mate - you're an inspiration!
Dave and Zosh

So close Tom. Don't slow down, otherwise I'll never get anywork done today checking your progess every 2 seconds! Come on Tom

Come on tom hopefully by the time the next update comes in it'll be in french! Checking the blog religiously here fantastic what your doing. Rob

Go Tom! I am now transfixed to these updates. Can't believe what you are doing - its absolutely amazing.

hiya, any update on Tom's progress at the moment?

Keep going Tom, sounds like your doing amazingly you will do it for sure!

Ruth xx

am following your superb yet insane progress on my itouch from Antigua. COME ON TOM!!
Best,
Martin (Lou Wilson's twin bro)

Ps. Thanks jo for posting the link on facebook

Hi, come on Tom, keep on going, almost there!! We are attached to our screen, not willing to miss any update.
The Belgians

Just spoken to Tom's mum who are all waiting patiently in Calais - they are planning to go down at about 11 and wait for him to come in. Spoke to Henry on the boat as well - the support crew are doing really well as it sounds awful and think they have been plagued by sea-sickness. He was about 4 miles away an hour ago but it is really hard work as the tides and current is so strong.

KEEP GOING TOM!! x

Hows Tom doing? The suspense is killing us.

thanks for the update Jo B, I posted my last one before seeing yours. Keep up the good work Tom!

No news yet ( no news is good news ). Think Tom and Steve are kinda tied up at the moment.Steves priorites are with Tom as should be..WE have just gotta carry on biten our nails Im afraid ...Hang in there Tom I feel for you

My legs were hurting a bit when I went to the gym tonight but thought of you, Tom, and pushed myself hard. I knew anything I was feeling was nothing compared to what you must be going through! Like everybody else I am hanging on for every little bit of news of your progress. I think there will be many people from all around the globe raising a glass or two, in your honour when you cross the finish line. You really are inspiring so many people, definately me, and I wonder how many individuals will push themselves that little bit further after your mind blowing achievement.
Much love Fay

WOW, WOW, WOW - You don't know us - my other half is an ultrunner and i have seen her have to dig deep but what you're doing is amazing and takes it too another level again! We are hooked to our laptop, Itching with goosebumps and tingling with anticipation! Keep up the Good Work, Dig Deep - You can do it! Best Wishes from Rosie and Jason!

Hi Tom Emily here I was swimming tonight at the club and know how you feel love and thinking about you in the Channel love Emily

Tom come on please Emily will not go to bed until you are safely on dry land.Big push to the beach you can do it. Douglas

Hope the last bit will be good for you. Tom. We are waiting news from Johan when you hit land.

You have done so very well so far.

The good Highland air of your schooldays has stood you in good stead.

I am having a whisky to give you spirit!!!!

Best wishes from all of the MacDonald

Go TOOOM Go! You can do this keep those arms motoring. One last BIIIG push. You're the man! GOOO!

Tom, we wait you on this side of the water and we know you are very close.
We will not sleep before we have you here.
Saskia and Harry in Antwerp.

Hey up Tom, you're going greats guns mate, keep pumping it out, the bike saddle is gonna seem like an arm chair when you leave the water!! Good on ya

This is getting TENSE!

Just to let you know that I am still here waiting, just like you folk..Steve turned his phone on about 30min ago but no update yet

Tom this is an awesome display of mental and physical strength mate … tough as nails! Keep at it!!

Good Effort Tom, infact no.....extraordinary effort! Keep those Guns pumping & with any luck we'll hear word of your arrival on foreign shores.

Just spoke to Henry on the boat - HE's JUST ABOUT TO FINISH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! omg Get the champagne ready people. Congratulations on a monster of a feat Tom. Get some well earned rest.

YOU BEAUTY TOM

We're all really excited to hear that Toms made it!
And not only because that means I can leave the computer (where my mum's had me stationed ALL night) and get some sleep!
Everyone here's really impressed with how well you've done and we're sure that now the swim's over you'll finish it with ease!

Henry: let us know when Tom is on French soil at when you are all OK!

THE EAGLE AS LANDED…. 21.hours…Well done Tom,,,amazing effort..Enjoy some real food,,,and drink,,,without salt,,,and a well earned rest.. A big cheer for Tom and his support crew plus all the guys n gals in the boat… Only 180 miles to go Tom… PS. This is what you are looking for…

TOM YOU'RE THE MAN! CONGRATULATIONS
YOUARE AN INSPIRATION - I AM SURE I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO THINKS TWICE ABOUT TAKING THE ELEVATOR HENCEFORTH. GOOD ON YOU!

PARIS WATCH OUT. HERE COMES TOM

Well done Tom,,,what a fantastic swim - your are a star. Brilliant! Brilliant! COME ON!

All that swim training has paid off mate even if it meant the run was a misery. you knew that was the key and you toughed it out. 21 big ones...

Just a friendly pedal to finish. All hail the turbo trainer. Tear it up.

That has to be one of the bravest swims ever! Well done to you Tom and to your support crew who kept you going. Two down and just one to go -- I hope the wind is behind you all the way to Paris! Once again a huge well done, what you achieved in that swim is awe inspiring and shows incredible character. Looking forward to welcoming you into the Enduroman Club.

AWESOME AND INSPIRATIONAL DISPLAY OF SHEER GUTS AND DETERMINATION - Well Done Tom - Hopefully you've woken up to the same beatiful Sunrise that we have here (South Coast UK) to make up for what can't of been a pretty night in the channel. Best Wishes for the Cycle from Jason and Rosie

I am so,so,so pleased and excited for you, Tom. The most difficult part is done and it sounds as though it was a test way beyond all others with the conditions and your problematic stomach!!! In the future whenever things get tough I shall think of what you have done and tell myself to just get on with it. Of course none of us who have been mere spectators from our computers can have any real sense of what you have gone through. I have no doubt that your experience will be life changing for you. I would imagine it will bring a whole new perspective to your life and certain things that you have always done will feel different. You will always have the memory of the whole experience; the physical pain, the emotional pain, the smells, the tastes, the sights, the joy, the pride, the hugs, the friendships...all very special.
So, keep going Tom. You are on the "downhill" stretch now and the finish line is in sight. Can't wait to see the pictures of you flying across the finish line. Much love Fay

Bloody Hell Mate!,

Woke up this morning expecting to hear that the tide and weather conditions had made it an impossible feat, especially since I rung Jo at about 10pm and she said it was very tough going indeed, but you have done it!!

Unbelievable Tommy!

You trained for 17-18 hours at worst and you've only gone and delivered a 20 !!!

How sweet that French soil must feel right now!

Truly Inspirational Tom. Stay Strong for that ride and watch out for that bloody roundabout in Paris!

John

The Tide pushed us east of Calais so we had to swim against the tide to make it in...Tom got about 200mt from beach but didnt make it so we had to swim back out to sea, back around the harbour wall adding another mile onto the swim then landed west of the harbour...The man is a true legend

The bike started @ 07.51hrs UK time

Tom you wee beauty - Herculean effort on the swim!! Cest magnifique!! Paris is waiting. Looking forward to buying you beer! Stick in and all the best for the pedal. See you under le grand arc!!

Gregg & Natalie

Tom,

A massive well done mate, sounds an absolute challenge of a lifetime to get to the beach. Guts and sheer physical strength you have mate, downhill from now. All that work has paid off, just try and keep it going and smash the record. Sorry couldn't stay for the swim. Hats off, an amazing achievement.

Go for it.

Tom says he was never interested in world records, so he decided to have a long sleep.

Think that he deserves that sleep! Well done Tom - absolutely amazing achievement. Everyone is very proud of you! Was very pleased to get that phone call last night! Jo x

Tommy, just found out about this one. Good work thus far. Hope the vomitting wasn't too bad in the swim (Just like a doggie paddle around the lake in B'ham I'd imagine. )

Keep it up mate. Not far to go. Will keep my eye on this one tonight and speak to you after the race Big Man. Best of luck. In Tom we Trust.

Dougo

We are all so proud of you Tom. Well done WOW .

Rest now for the last leg of your crazy adventure.
love the Ballahooligans xxxxxxxx

"If this were played upon a stage now, I would condem it as improbable fiction" - William Shakespere

Congratulations on completing the swim, sounded particularly hostile out there! Good luck for the bike trip.

Well done on the swim Tom! Mammoth task! Get those legs pumping. The sooner you get to Paris the sooner you can get out of France :)

What a swim Tom, WELL DONE mate all those long hrs at sea have really paid off!! At least the bike ride is all down hill :-)

In our mother tongue: GRANDIOOS, PROFICIAT...........
Rendez-vous a Paris ce soir.
Saskia and Harry. Antwerp

Road closure just out of Calais...Taking deviation that will add on milage.This boy likes doing it the hardway !!!

Tom still extremely tired...Road closure added maybe 12 miles onto route...Record doubtful but still possible...Beautiful sunshine here.

Hey Tom
I am so pleased for you, what a fantastic effort. You stayed the course and are showing the what it means to be an Enduroman. Welcome to the club.
Good work Steve and Toms support crew.
Enduroman1

what can i say...amazing!!! well done tom, maa and i were so pleased to hear u arrived safe and sound early hours of this morning. good luck with the rest of ur journey. love from all back home xx

Tom,you are awesome! What an achievement. Hopefully the cycling will be kinder to you and then you can get a very well earned rest. Keep it going. Love Alison, Douglas, Fraser, Emily and Molly.

A well eaned rest

What other obstacles do they want to throw at this man.... no use, he is THE CHAMP. Tom just GO GO GO... Tear up that road to Paris you're THE MAN.
Mike once again thanks a million for all your updates and keeping us in the loop. Well done to the rest of the team.

Tom wouldn`t want it any other way...Force 6 winds head on all the way to Paris...Tom / Enduroman 5th get your self to paris to join the most elite ultra endurance club in the world..From the heart mate...You are my hero..STEVE

Just waiting for Tom to arrive in Boulonge

Thanks Gerald..Its a pleasure and an honour

Well said Steve, Tom is a machine. I still can't get over his swim, bloody marvellous

Tom you are a super star! You are doing an amazing job,absolutely unreal! So pleased you are winging your way to Paris. I have been glued to this for the updates!!
Love
Mel & Barny x

Hi Tom - you are simply amazing! So pleased to hear that you managed to complete the swim in such difficult conditions. Hope the last stage doesn't present as many problems for you. I am routing for you all the way. Go Tom Go! X

Tom,we are all completely awestruck with what you have achieved.Enjoyed the weekly training updates and hugely looking forward to the final chapter.Best of luck.Love Sue and Co.

32 miles done, including additional miles from detour

Hi TomTom,
Keep navigating your way to Paris.
Best wishes from Cape Town
Shaun(Nino's mate & your wales ultra wingman)

tommy, you are the man. have been glued to my computer flat out.

am sitting here with a tear in my eye awaiting your updates. keep those legs churning.

see you when you get back.

ramsay

Stopped for 2nd break at 32 miles...Very sunny...Trying to replace lost fluids as quick as possable

Just back from Dover and helping Tom across on the pilot boat.
Just want to say it was brutal out there and not many could have swam like Tom. It has humbling and awesome to see up close and personal.
Good luck with the rest of the bike big guy i know you can do it !!
H

Tom 4 Prime Minister
Mike 4 Deputy Prime Minister
Jo 4 Queen.......laugh

GOOO TOM!!! Amazing to have achieved so much and to still be going. I'm so proud to know you and to have been vommited on by you! (Thailand flight, you may not recall!!) You always were an amazing guy, this is just the undoubtable proof!! Your family must be bursting with pride, well done Tom xx

Tom`s 32 mile break..Bring it on Tom.

Even though I don't know you, I feel like I do know you....I know that you have huge determination, willpower and never give up. I know that if you want it and believe in it you will quite literally move heaven and earth....So many people live their lives tapping into just a tiny amount of themselves, never really learning what they are truly capable of. You are leading the way, showing us we can do so much more. Okay, not everyone wants to do this superhuman feat that you are about to complete. Nevertheless, something that they thought was not possible, maybe looking at you, it now seems they could make it a reality. Can't wait to say ............... in not many hours!! Love Fay

I like to see that Mr Jolly is giving Tom some advice in that last picture!

It has been a very long time since I have seen Henry so speechless. (and I won't mention that he forgot to bring his passport!).x

Hi Jo, looks like Mr Jolly looks more buggered than Tom.... hope he makes it! I know Tom will. Good luck for the rest, take care. Gerald.

AMAZING!!!!!!! Tom I'm following your very peddle! What an inspiration
x Zosh

WOW! well done Tom - your doing amazingly well. We are all very proud of you - not far now!!
Lots of love lulubelle xx

Just a reminder...BE AWARE..This page holds 250 posts..If you look at top of page you will see how many posts to date. 209. When full just click on next a bottom of page to continue the live feed

Hey Tom
great going on that swim, what a beast, now the easy bit to go!! just like riding a bike.
Supreme effort so far, really impressed, but also had little doubt you'd get this far with your detemination.
Keep going hard and then you can smile even more when you have finished.
Bruce

Tom at 5hrs into bike still strong and focused

Truly awesome mate!! I cannot BELIVE how well you have done chap. Looking forward to buying you a very big pint when you get home!!!!

Great work Tom. Everyone at Clyde 1 rooting for you. What an achievement. Anyone know where in Scotland Tom is from originally?

Around 45 miles done..Steve as had to force feed Tom as he is still struggling to digest anything himself.

They will give him another 60 mins or so.

If he doesn`t perk up Steve will encourage him to have a power and try again after an hour or so...

The RedBull is out so wings are expected shortly

I have the website open permanently at work and am following your every move. Am so impressed at your absolute determination with the swim and am willing you on every turn of the pedal for that last bit - all plain sailing now!

Well done Tom - you've got the hard bit cracked - all the best!

Hey Big Fella

Ginge has just got back told me all about your love of the ocean, fairplay most mortals would have sunk after a few minutes!!

I'd like to say i'm amazed at what you've done and how well you're doing, but to be honest when it comes to mind over matter they don't come much tougher!!

Keep the pedals turning now mate and you'll knee deep Parisian escargot and croissants in no time.... just think how good that first meal (out of 10 no doubt) will taste?!

Jones

Well done Tom you are doing a fantastic job, what a
hero you are all the best of luck for the next stage
not long to go now love Peta

Hi Tom

You don't know me, I am a friend of Gregg's and I was there to see you off on Saturday. I am ABSOLUTELY STUNNED at what you are doing. You are humbling people and inspiring people all over the country, you do realise that!!! I hope you really enjoy touching that Arc in Paris. GO go go!!!!!! ( I'll be glued to the internet till you get there). Kirstin

Just ran into very heavy rain at the 55 mile point...

Waiting to give Tom his waterproofs...

He is much happier no and more chatty..

Hi Tom It is Emily here. I have just got back from school.... and checked your progress. Keep going you're doing great.
Love
Emily

Sounds like he needs to put his wetsuit back on! He is certainly facing the eleements isn't he! Keep on spinning away Tom.

Bryan, Mark and Jade are totally inspired by you. They canot believe you swam for 21hrs, in fact Bryan went to the pool swam Ten (10) lengths and shouted " How did Tom do that?" Only you can answer that Tom, as what you have achieved thus far is fantastic! So as they say Tom "On yer bike!" and a big shout out from Dubai from the Gavigan Clan...COME ON

Amazing effort Tom!
We're all rooting for you here at JLG in Scotland!

Its raining here in Aberdeen now, in sympathy for you i think.
We are off riding later, not for 180miles though, just a wee jaunt in the forests, but we will be sure to toast your success later today when you arrive in Paris.
Will look out a bottle of champers for it.
Keep going hard Tom, almost there, smell the lovely french!!
Bruce

Tommo keep it going - tremendous - absolutely outstanding - I know John A will be so proud of you.

Steve just sent this photo....

I hope its one he snapped earlier..

Not Tom on his way home cuz he forgot something

Torrential downpour at 66 miles...Roads now very dangerious...

Whats next...


SNOW ??????

Keep at it there Tom fingers crossed the weather will pass through in a sec and the wind will change direction and push you all the way to the Arc de Triompe!

Come on Tom keep up the work rate.
Really raining hard in Shropshire now in sympathy!
All the best from everyone here on the Bridges
H

Tom must now have done 1/3 of the bike run ( with those extra 12 miles ). Hang on in there Tom,,,

Evryone here and other parts of the world are with you in spirit

Keep it going Tom, try and ignore the rain... remember your skin is water proof anyway!

All the boys are thinkin about you in the workshop, Dan is having a ******* NIck is maoning about it! :) see you soon

Hi Mate,
Jake Alex and myself are watching you every step of the way and are cheering you along. Keep up the AWESOME effort- looking forward to seeing you on the telly!! (Olympic Gold Medalists - they don't even come close to being in your league!!)

All that water...the run was wet...the swim was somewhat wetter...now the bike turns soggy....what must it be doing to your skin!!! You will have to go somewhere hot and sunny for a couple of weeks to dry out. You are nearly there...keep smiling...love Fay

Nothing but respect for you Tom.

Rain, rain, rain - Tom, you're making god cry!

Keep it up.

It is my pet peeve that americans say 'everything' is 'awesome', but for once I can actually apply the term justifiably. Tom you are awesome.

I'm on the edge of my work seat (apparently that's an ergonmic issue), anyway finish strong.
Love Maria x x

Remember, Tom: Plus est en vous!!!!!

Maria has been keeping us up to date with your trainig...and now you are nearing the finish line...what an absolutely amazing feat...hang in there...will stay tuned to keep track of your progress

100 miles to go...
Toms got a second wind,,,almost at the half way point...

He`s had a McDonalds...

The food of champions

Hi Tom, Hurry up!!

When I was a lad we done this for fun....

chop chop!

Love the Ballahooligans!

( sending loads of good vibes - its even raining here we are all in awe of you we will all sleep easy tonight knowing your safe and sound xxxxxxxxxx)

Come on Tom, only a little way to go, nothing compared with where you're coming from. Harry made his way to Paris and is dying to open that bottle of 'champagne'. Cheers, Saskia

Making it look easy

Nice one Tom

not far now tom !! am totally in awe at what you are achieving .amazing.!!! proud to know you.when you get there ,how you coming back? on your hands maybe?! and hurry up back ,i need to shift some excess welding wire !!
well done !!

Bonjour Tom, keep spinning those legs over you'll soon be there!! I think Paris has got some big tower in the middle so you'll know you've hit the right city when you get there!!! Tournez a droite il est c'est baguette xxx

Come on Tom keep it going, all down hill now !
The party is building in Paris and Shropshire for you
Henry and Jo

Dig deep Tommy!

Sarah keeps saying "poor boy".
I tell her it takes a lot more than a poor boy to do this. You are amazing. Keep going & think of the party!

247 POSTS NOW ON FORUM

Got back from what I thought was a "Hard" day at work, turned on the interweb and was thrilled to see you're still going strong and rapidly reconsidered my idea of "Hard"! Brilliant, Magnificient, Inspiring Stuff - Kick ASS! Best Wishes Jason and Rosie!

77 miles to go..Tom just stopped for a Cappuccino and malt loaf with his family...

Looking good but its getting dark...

This is the point where the mind wanders and he will
start to feel low...

We are making sure we stop and encourage him on the way past at short intervals...

Steve

Get a crack on mate- the Champagne is getting warm!!