Swim challenge 'error' leaves man barely able to walk

Mike Thorpe, a 57-year-old man from Fyfield in Wiltshire, swam an extra five miles (8km) after his wife inadvertently selected the longer distance for a charity swim at Hyde Park in London. He was initially planning to complete a one-mile (1.6km) swim but was forced to swim an additional five miles due to the computer error. Susanna Thorpe, Mike's wife, expressed her admiration for her husband's achievement, but joked that she would struggle to forgive herself for the error.

Mike described the swim as "scary," but he was determined to raise £4,500 for the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust, an organization that supports older and vulnerable people. His wife had intended to book the one-mile option for six people, but ended up booking the six-mile option for her husband alone. Mike, who has a frozen shoulder, had to swim in breast stroke due to the condition's stiffness and pain.

The water's temperature was around 16.9C (62°F), and he was visibly shaking towards the end of the challenge. Despite the difficulty, Mike completed the six-mile swim, stating that it was a combination of fitness and grit. WBVT director Jennie Shaw praised Mike's determination, commitment, and courage, and expressed gratitude for his efforts in raising funds for the charity.