This June, Dorset paramedic George Bell-Starr will attempt a never-before-completed endurance challenge – and he’s doing it in support of life-saving charities.
George Bell-Starr
Photo credit: Sam Carden / Climb South West
George, from Weymouth, is taking on the Tri-Lake Swim, a gruelling test of physical and mental resilience that will see him swim 1,000 metres in the highest lakes of England, Scotland, and Wales. But that’s only part of the journey – each lake requires a demanding hike to reach, with the full challenge covering nearly 26 miles on foot and over 3,000 metres of elevation gain. He aims to complete the entire effort in under 30 hours.
George is raising funds for three causes close to his heart: Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA), The Duckling Pre-School, and Cancer Research UK.
A paramedic and keen adventurer, George has seen first-hand the critical role the air ambulance plays in emergency care across the region.
“I’ve always enjoyed challenging myself physically,” he said. “In the past, I’ve swum 500km in 365 days and cycled from Aberdeen to Weymouth on a stationary bike while working on a ship. I love swimming, and after seeing friends take on the Three Peaks Challenge, I started wondering if I could blend the two. A quick evening of Googling showed no one had ever done this, and so the challenge was born.”
While the swim itself is headline-grabbing, George says the real test lies in the long, punishing hikes to reach each remote lake – and in contending with extreme conditions.
“I anticipate that the lakes will be much colder than the sea, possibly as low as 6 or 7 degrees! The other challenge will be the dark, I expect that the English lake swim will take place in the dark, so my support crew will have to keep an eye on my small, reflective safety buoy to keep me safe.”
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance crew tasked to an incident
George’s chosen charities will spur him on through the long hours and cold water.
“The fact that DSAA is totally funded by charity donations makes it even more important that I raise as much as I can. It’s incredibly rewarding to know the money is going to an amazing cause and directly impacting lives in Dorset and Somerset.”
He also hopes his efforts might inspire others to take on their own challenge – no matter how big or small.
“Go for it! Just do it. Try not to over think it, as sometimes you can get in your head and start doubting yourself. I truly believe that anyone can achieve anything.”
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance receives no direct government funding and relies entirely on public support. Each mission costs around £3,500 to fly.
You can support George and donate to the Tri-Lake Swim challenge here:
👉 https://www.justgiving.com/page/trilakesswim1
