Williams Lake’s Patrick Verbeeck will swim across Williams Lake this Saturday, Aug. 4 to help raise funds for cancer research.
Verbeeck, who graduated from Columneetza secondary this past June, will attempt the seven-kilometre swim beginning at Russet Bluff and ending at Scout Island. He said he plans to start around 11 a.m.
“I’m doing this because some friends of mine that I know have gone through fighting cancer,” Verbeeck said. “I’ve been getting pledges, going door to door. I’m hoping to raise $1,000.”
Verbeeck, a member of the Williams Lake Blue Fins Swim Club, said he’d like to invite anyone on the lake to join him in his swim.
He’ll also have a team of kayakers and canoeists form a barrier around him to ensure his swim is safe.
“I’ve never swam this long of a distance before at once,” he said, noting it should be a fairly grueling task.
He’s calling his swim Strokes for Life.
Verbeeck said anyone interested in making a pledge or donation can contact him at 250-296-4380 or by e-mail at verbeeck_patrick@hotmail.ca.