THE Manx flag was proudly carried across the Solent from Gosport, Hampshire, to Ryde in the Isle of Wight yesterday by swimmer Olly Pemberton as part of a charity challenge. 

Olly, 24, of Santon, who has taken part in numerous exciting challenges, completed the seven kilometre swim across one of the busiest shipping lanes in the UK in one hour 55 mins – without wearing a wetsuit.

Olly said: "It was tough going, but surprisingly not too cold.  Maybe the full English breakfast I had before leaving helped! Thank goodness I now don’t have to train every night in cold water!"

The challenge had been issued by the organisers of Bestival, the Isle of Wight pop festival, and a free backstage pass offered for those intrepid enough to swim the Solent for charity.

A total of 12 swimmers completed the challenge.

Olly, who works for the adventure travel company Exodus, has previously climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, ran along the Inca Trail in Peru and two years ago completed the Mongol Rally, driving a 1,000cc car from the Isle of Man to Mongolia.

He has carried the Manx flag on all occasions.

During his latest challenge to swim the Solent, Olly has raised more than £2,000 for the One Foundation, a UK registered charity working with communities in Africa to address the most pressing humanitarian needs, such as clean drinking water, nutrition and sanitation.

Olly was proudly met at Ryde by family and well-wishers.

http://www.justgiving.com/manvssolent