Stephen Attard proves where there is a will, there is a way

Stephen Attard has again refused his physical disabilities and memory loss, the result of a tragic car accident 24 years ago, from stopping him in attaining his aim.

He swam from Gozo to Malta yesterday, accomplishing a feat he had set himself to prove that his coordination problems, which prevent him from playing sports on land, would not overcome him.

The 45-year-old completed the challenge within the stipulated, estimated time, leaving Ħondoq ir-Rummien at 8 a.m.and making land at about 3 p.m.

After some seven hours of swimming - with forced breaks in between a few strokes - Mr Attard said he was feeling like "steel". He was not tired and would jump in and start again if asked to, he quickly added.

"My body is very strong," he pointed out, unwilling to let the brain damage he suffered and its effects get the better of him.

As had happened last year, when he swam from Comino to Malta, Mr Attard had to struggle against strong currents. This time, they forced him to the western side of Comino. rather than sticking to the established route of cutting across through Blue Lagoon, and it was doubted whether he would actually make it.

Once he came round Comino, the currents were so strong that they swept him beyond Little Armier and it was impossible for him to reach the established point, Marfa.

Being dragged towards the last point of land, he had to change his plan and head in that direction, his father explained. He still swam from Gozo to Malta, although he could not actually touch land due to the rocks, he said.

Mr Attard boarded an accompanying boat, which dropped him off at Ċirkewwa, from where he swam the last 200 metres to the established Marfa point.

The jellyfish were another obstacle he knew he might have to face but they let him be.

Mr Attard was accompanied in the sea by his 68-year-old mother, who swam the entire distance with him, and professional swimmer Nikki Farrugia.

His training - about eight hours a day, four times a week - paid off but he is not planning any harder, future challenges as yet this time, the reason being that such an activity involves lots of organisation and is a huge task for his parents.

Mr Attard swam the channel to raise funds for the LAND (Living Ability Not Disability) Group, which aims to achieve independence and inclusion for its members through socialising in society.