FRIENDS and former colleagues of a much-loved fireman from Dudley who tragically died during a charity swim in the English Channel got together to host a “marathon” swim in his memory.
Iain Hughes, from Dudley, was found dead in the water near Belgium after he went missing in the English Channel in 2023.
Almost two years on, 94 of Iain’s friends, who better knew him as “Hughesy”, swam an incredible 218km in 36 hours at David Lloyds Club in Brierley Hill, where he used to train.
Jim McParland, who worked with Iain at West Midlands Fire Service's Technical Rescue Unit for two decades, said the group of almost 100 swimmers raised over £5,000 which will contribute towards a rehabilitation project in Iain’s name.
He said: “The best thing about the day was that a load of Iain’s friends got together to do something he loved in memory of him.
“Hughsey was widely respected in the force, and many of us who are doing this swim were good mates with him.
“Some of us hung back afterwards for a drink and a bite to eat, because it's so important we all come together and do something for him.”
The funds raised will be donated to the Fire Fighters Charity - one of the causes Mr Hughes was raising funds for himself in 2023.
