They did it... and much quicker than expected! Brothers Alex and Stafford Williams created a first for Essex when they swam the Blackwater from Maldon's Promenade extension to Bradwell Power Station.

Apart from the satisfaction of achieving what no-one had attempted before, they raised £3,000 for Cancer Research UK and Maldon's Buddies children's centre.

They completed the gruelling stunt in just over two-and-a-half hours - 90 minutes under the four hours estimated for the swim.

"There were no problems," said Alex, whose arms ached from the swim. We were happy to keep on going and the weather was brilliant. A few people turned up to greet us at Bradwell."

Published Wednesday, September 1, 2004

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