Simon Smith

VIDEO: Cabbie completes Great East Swim... a year after tipping the scales at 23 stone

Story by: ROB SETCHELL, Reporter Tuesday, June 19, 2012
9:57 AM

LAST year taxi driver Simon Smith tipped the scales at 23 stone - but that was a distant memory on Sunday as he completed the Great East Swim.

The March cabbie has shed seven-and-a-half stone since he quit smoking, started exercising and began eating properly.

But his fitness kick reached new heights at the weekend as he swam a mile in Alton Water reservoir, near Ipswich, to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The 48-year-old had been motivated to get fit - and to raise money for the charity - after some of his close friends, including Babs Cox, died of cancer.

He completed the mile in 39 minutes, finishing 560th out of 980 entrants, and has so far raised £560 for Macmillan.

The Great East Swim had been due to take place on Saturday but was moved back 24 hours after strong winds were forecast.

To donate to Simon, visit www.justgiving.com/simon-smith-big-swim