Waiting game for Maybole swimmer

Aug 15 2008 by Edwin Lawrence

A WOMAN who swam the English Channel 21 years ago aims to do it again in the next few days.

But Margaret Hodgart, 42, is currently playing a waiting game with the weather in Dover.

And the former Margaret Kidd from Maybole will make her bid when the wind and tidal conditions are right.

Margaret’s life has turned upside down since she first swam the channel in July, 1987.

Her mum and dad, who were on the boat beside her last time, are now dead.

Margaret herself had a heart attack and had to give up her job at Maybole swimming pool.

Her marriage broke up, and she suffered more ill health with pancreatitis.

But Margaret has lost an amazing 11 stones in weight over the past year. And she has got herself fit, after 15 years out of swimming.

She now lives in Kilmarnock, but she still has strong links with Maybole, and one of her friends in the town helped inspire the latest swim.

Margaret is thrilled pal Jackie Ferguson has recovered from breast cancer. And her swim will hopefully raise cash for the Asda Tickled Pink campaign.

But Margaret was this week falling short in the £2000 sponsorship needed for her support boat, although she will make it up herself.

Her sponsors include Kilmarnock Round Table, Kilmarnock Swimming Club, Shortlees Bakers and Hannah’s Taxis of Maybole.

Margaret will have daughters Kimberlee, 13, and Morgan, 10, in the boat beside her for this swim.

Alison Streeter MBE, a former long-distance rival of Margaret’s, will be leading the support crew on board.

Anyone who wishes to either sponsor Margaret’s costs or donate to the fundraising can contact her on 07849 393153.