Four watersports enthusiasts are hoping to make a splash in the record books this week by boldly going where no water-skier has gone before - crossing the choppy Irish Sea in a single day.
The waterski team are raising money in memory of Bristol schoolboy Charlie Froud (14), who died along with three others in a light aircraft crash in the Wicklow Mountains in October 2008.
Charlie's father Dave Froud will be leading the record attempt, which is due to leave Fishguard in Wales at 9am on Friday. The team are scheduled to complete the crossing in under six hours and hope to arrive into Rosslare on Friday afternoon.
"None of us are in any doubt now about the enormity of the challenge but we are confident. With our dedication and commitment to the challenge and the charity, we will do it," Mr Froud said. "As far as we know it has never been done before – probably because both the physical and mental challenge is enormous, especially as the age of the challengers, to put it delicately, is not exactly the first flush of youth at 42 to 50."
The team is hoping to raise up to £30,000 for the Glen of Imaal Rescue Services, the Mountain of Mourne Rescue Services and the Dublin and Wicklow Mountain Rescue Services.
The Cork-based Team Pulsar Racing crew will pull the four water-skiers across the water in powerboats that are have broken numerous speed records in the past.
Justin McInerney of Team Pulsar Racing said his crew were delighted to assist a charitable cause and record-breaking attempt. "We've recently been out doing some training with the whole team and will continue to offer them training support leading up to the event. We wish the team all the very best."
Charlie Froud was one of four people who died in the light aircraft crash three years ago. Sharif Booz, his wife Margaret O'Kennedy Booz, their son, Aymon (14), all from Lower Almondsbury in Bristol, England, were also killed. Margaret was born in Co Kildare while Sharif was born in Egypt.
They had been due to land at Kilrush airfield in Co Kildare. Following a major search operation, the wreckage of the aircraft was discovered deep into remote bogland in Co Wicklow.
To make a donation to the Charlie Froud Foundation, visit: justgiving.com/charliefroudfoundation
