Former MP marks his 80th with charity swim challenge

A former MP and football fan is to swim 80 laps of a swimming pool to raise money and mark his 80th birthday.

Adrian Bailey is taking on the challenge for Cheltenham Town Football Club Community Trust.

Mr Bailey first watched the Robins play in 1958 as a child, and has since spent more than six decades supporting the team. "I've always loved Cheltenham," he said. "There have been a lot of lows, but some spectacular highs as well."

The former West Bromwich West MP regularly travelled to Cheltenham to watch the club, even when living in Sandwell, West Midlands.

Mr Bailey, who is gearing up to complete his 80 laps on Thursday 11 December, said the Cheltenham Town Community Trust worked with people of all ages , from going into schools to offer PE and health lessons to connecting people in care homes and youth centres to tackle isolation.

Mr Bailey told BBC Radio Gloucestershire his training regime included regular swims in his local pool and even fitting in nearly 300 laps of a hotel pool on a recent holiday.

"Turning 80 gives me the perfect opportunity to challenge myself while celebrating both the club I love and the power of sport to bring people together," said Mr Bailey.

"You're never too old to make a difference."

Simon Perruzza, chief executive at Cheltenham Town Community Trust, said Mr Bailey's story "captures everything that makes Cheltenham Town special – passion, community spirit and generosity".

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