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One Show's Christine Bleakley sets water-ski record for Sport Relief
Friday, 12 March 2010
Christine Bleakley leaves Dover at the start of her challenge to water-ski across the English Channel for Sport Relief.
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Northern Ireland's Christine Bleakley has made history by becoming the first person to water-ski across the English Channel.
The Ulster-born presenter (31) completed the gruelling 22-mile challenge for Sport Relief in just over 90 minutes after setting off from Dover at 7.46am in miserable temperatures of 5C with wind chill below freezing.
Her progress was followed live on Chris Evans’ breakfast show on Radio 2 and at one point it looked like the Newtownards woman may not complete the daunting task.
“They don’t know if she is going to make it. This is proving much tougher than anyone thought,” Evans told his listeners this morning.
But it was not all plain sailing for Christine who fell in several times in conditions Evans called “very cold and very choppy” .
After two days of weather delays, Bleakley, footballer Frank Lampard's girlfriend, embarked on her challenge clad in a black head-to-toe wetsuit and red life jacket.
The challenge required Christine to hang on at approximately 20mph across the world's busiest shipping lane.
She was moved to undertake the challenge following a trip to Uganda with Sport Relief in 2008, where she met young people who are living tough lives.
Speaking before the challenge she said: “It's so easy to come home from a trip like that and forget about what you've seen and keep going about your everyday life.
“I didn't want to do that. I'll never forget the people that I met and I want to do something to help them. Please support me by making a donation as it really will help change lives.”
Footage of her challenge can be seen on The One Show tonight on BBC One at 7pm.
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If she was from any other country, they'd be making a big deal of this, and rightly so!
Superb job Christine!
Posted by P. Crowson | 13.03.10, 09:39 GMT
Brilliant Christine, you deserve a huge pat on the back! It can't have been easy, well done.
Posted by Ed | 13.03.10, 08:50 GMT
Good for her! This is a first! I look forward to seeing the video.
Posted by david wayne osedach | 12.03.10, 21:50 GMT
Well done Christine!! Northern Ireland is proud of you.
Posted by Annabel | 12.03.10, 17:58 GMT
Absolutely fantastic Christine!!!!!
But we all know your an Angel, and some of us can see your Wings!!!!! Northern Ireland will be proud of you. God Bless you.
Posted by Andy | 12.03.10, 17:40 GMT
well done christine we were all routeing for you pat& eric spain.
Posted by pat & eric | 12.03.10, 17:33 GMT
You go girl!! Gone up in my estimation.
Posted by Proud to be from N.Ireland | 12.03.10, 17:01 GMT
Most impressive! Ok, she's maybe not the brightest presenter but she's a lovely girl and well, what an achievement to do this. Good luck to her and I'm sure she'll be on our screens for years to come.
Posted by Mal | 12.03.10, 15:56 GMT
I just knew you would complete this challenge. Cant wait to see footage later well done you!!!
Posted by Lee Preston | 12.03.10, 15:50 GMT
wow fantastic hard going!!! dont know how you did it well done christine make us all proud in northern ireland :)
Posted by sarah brady | 12.03.10, 15:18 GMT
Well done Christine so proud of you xx
Posted by Jilly Rose | 12.03.10, 14:04 GMT
brilliant stuff, looking forward to seeing the footage. and Karen below.....well done!
Posted by MiHe | 12.03.10, 13:30 GMT
Wonderful kald x
Posted by Angus | 12.03.10, 13:12 GMT
You know, I can't stand this woman as a TV presenter, BUT total respect! She has successfully completed an amazing challenge which many, including myself, wouldn't even contemplate doing. She has now persuaded me to part with £5!
Posted by StephenM | 12.03.10, 12:37 GMT
Well done Christine, Northern Ireland is proud of you. A true role model.
Posted by RS | 12.03.10, 12:24 GMT
Hats off to Christine
Much respect
And I'll bet she was still amiling when she finished
So people lets donate to the charity for Christine I certainly will be
Posted by Ian | 12.03.10, 11:34 GMT
Environmental disaster - polluting the sea with all that fake tan.
Posted by Tim | 12.03.10, 11:18 GMT
Well done Christine! You have inspired me to go off and do something myself - even though I am in frail health I am sure I could take my body off for a mile walk. No comparison but it will take all my strength too. God bless you.
Posted by Karen | 12.03.10, 10:38 GMT