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Article: Eileen's heroics relived at exhibition.
- Article from:
- Dewsbury Reporter (Dewsbury, England)
- Article date:
- November 20, 2007
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2007 Johnston Publishing Ltd. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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A TEACHER from Dewsbury who conquered the English Channel in her first attempt has been honoured as one of the area's true sporting greats in a new exhibition.
On September 26, 1950, Eileen Fenton, of Thornhill Lees, conquered the icy cold waters and swam around 35 miles, securing her place in history.
Despite suffering a strained shoulder during the task, Eileen - just 22 at the time - continued the race, swimming with one arm. Her navigator Lt Robert W Davidson sang her favourite song The Mountains of Mourne through a megaphone from the boat travelling alongside her after she had sustained the injury to keep her spirits alive.
She was one of ...