An early bath
Comic's cross-channel bid fails
Comedian Tim FitzHigham's attempt to cross the Channel in a copper bathtub has ended in defeat.
He had hoped to raise £22,000 for Sports Relief – as well as generating enough material for his Edinburgh show this year - by rowing from Folkstone to Cap Gris Nez.
But yesterday the 28-year-old had to abandon his challenge because of bad weather after five hours at sea.
He was less than six miles from the French coast when a force-five gale out of nowhere, creating currents and swells too difficult to row against.
And once he abandoned ship just after 3pm, the vessel capsized.
Now Lilibet II, named after the Queen’s childhood nicknamed with the blessing of Buckingham Palace, is being towed back to Folkstone for repairs.
He said: “It's very disheartening because we got so close but couldn't finish. The bathtub was not designed for this sort of weather.”
But he vowed to continue, saying: “I'm not giving up and will try again, weather permitting"
His Edinburgh show, In The Bath, takes place at the Pleasance at 4.30pm from August 4.Published: 14 Jul 2004
