One Show presenter Christine Bleakley sets off on cross-Channel waterski attempt
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Video: Christine Bleakley
sets off from Dover
TV presenter Christine
Bleakley has arrived in France - one hour and 40
minutes after leaving Dover on waterskis!
She set off just before 8am on her mission to water-ski
across the Channel to raise money for Sport
Relief.
And she arrived in Calais shortly before 9.30am.
The presenter, who co-hosts the BBC television programme
The One
Show, has been training since October, mainly in the
gym and on lakes.
It was a massive physical challenge for Miss Bleakley who,
before training, had never been water-skiing.
She had to contend with freezing temperatures and skiing on
rough water, guided by a pilot through the busy shipping lanes.
Audio: Hear Christine
Bleakley speak of her preparation - and fear - ahead of her
waterski bid
Christine said she was inspired to take up the challenge
after visiting Uganda last year and meeting a family whose mother
had died of aids.
She said: "At the age of 13, the oldest daughter had become the
sole carer of herself and her five brothers and sisters, living in
a hut."
Picture Gallery
Christine Bleakley on the beach at Dover: Picture Jason Roberts
Jason Roberts
Christine Bleakley at Dover, picture Jason Roberts
Jason Roberts
Christine Bleakley at Dover, picture Jason Roberts
Jason Roberts
Christine Bleakley at Dover, picture Jason Roberts
Jason Roberts
Adrian Chiles on Christine Bleakley's support boat: Picture Jason Roberts
Jason Roberts
Christine Bleakley sets off from Dover: Picture Jason Roberts
Jason Roberts
Christine Bleakley sets off from Dover: Picture Jason Roberts
Jason Roberts
She's being trained by Professor Greg Whyte, who also
trained comedian David Walliams for his successful Channel swim,
also for Sport Relief, in July 2006.
People can support her challenge by donating via the Sport Relief
website.
Thursday, March 11 2010
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