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Fundraiser Simon Kindleysides to take on 22-mile swimming challenge for Bury St Edmunds youngster Teigan Bayliss




A well-known fundraiser who is paralysed from the waist down is set to take on a 22-mile swimming challenge to raise funds for Bury St Edmunds youngster and his ‘inspiration’, Teigan Bayliss.

Simon Kindleysides, 35, is an ambassador of the TeiganSmile charity, which aims to raise awareness of the dangers of kissing newborn babies on the lips. It was set up by Tony and Rebecca Bayliss after their daughter Teigan, now eight, was kissed as a baby by someone with cold sores and contracted meningitis which caused cerebral palsy.

“I’ve met Teigan and her family a few times now and we’ve formed a really nice bond,” said Simon, from Norwich. “She is an amazing girl and she is so bright. I’m really pleased to be doing this challenge to help her.”

Teigan and Simon at TeigyFest 2019 (31176065)
Teigan and Simon at TeigyFest 2019 (31176065)

Simon was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour in 2013 which caused him to lose function in the lower half of his body. It also caused him to suffer a stroke and seizures, one of which saw his heart stop for three minutes.

Nevertheless he is determined to complete the challenge which will see him swim the equivalent of the length of the English Channel – around 1416 pool lengths – at Norwich’s Riverside Leisure Centre on Sunday.

He will be swimming using only his arms, with a special float between his legs to prevent them from sinking.

Simon Kindleysides holds the Guinness World Record for being the fastest man to complete the London marathon in a robotic walking device (31176069)
Simon Kindleysides holds the Guinness World Record for being the fastest man to complete the London marathon in a robotic walking device (31176069)

“It’s going to be horrendous. It’s going to be a gruelling task and really hard work but knowing that it’s all for such a good cause is what will keep me going,” he said.

Simon is no stranger to physical challenges, having held the Guinness World Record for being the fastest male to complete the London Marathon in an exoskeleton suit since 2018. His time was 27 hours and 32 minutes.

And Simon hopes that Teigan will one day be able to walk using the same type of suit which made his world record possible.

“She has never stood up or taken a step and I like to think that seeing me take on these challenges will push her forward and show that anything is possible,” he said. “Who knows what big things are awaiting her in the future.”

Teigan’s dad Tony said: “We are always so grateful whenever someone chooses to help us because there are so many good causes out there. We’re just a little family but we hope that the work we do will help save people’s lives.”