Manchester Octogenarian Aims for World Record with 24-Hour Water Walk
In an inspiring display of resilience and determination, 82-year-old retired businessman Tony Fahey is preparing for a world record endurance challenge at Sale Water Park in Greater Manchester. The Manchester-born philanthropist will lead a team of four in a continuous 24-hour "walk on water" event scheduled for May 12 and 13, 2026, with all proceeds dedicated to supporting Make-A-Wish UK.
From Tragedy to Triumph: A Personal Journey
Tony's remarkable challenge follows a life-altering accident in February 2021, when he was struck by a car travelling at 50mph during his daily walk. The incident left him with severe injuries requiring emergency surgery and an intensive 18-month rehabilitation programme. Rather than allowing this experience to diminish his spirit, Tony found renewed purpose and ambition during his recovery. He now maintains a rigorous training schedule of five days per week in preparation for his upcoming aquatic endeavour.
Engineering Innovation: The Aqua Elliptica
To accomplish this unprecedented feat, Tony has collaborated with a design engineer to develop the aqua elliptica, a specially adapted human-powered watercraft. This innovative device operates similarly to a cross trainer, utilising a forward walking-style elliptical motion to propel users across water surfaces. This challenge represents the inaugural event in a planned series of water speed and endurance record attempts, all designed to maximise fundraising efforts for children living with critical illnesses.
A Legacy of Record-Breaking Achievements
This will not be Tony's first venture into record-breaking territory. In 1977, he secured mentorship from legendary racing mechanic Leo Villa OBE, who had previously served as chief engineer to speed record pioneers Sir Malcolm Campbell MBE and Donald Campbell CBE. Villa emerged from retirement to guide Tony into Formula One powerboat racing, where he achieved significant success in prestigious events including:
- The renowned Paris six-hour race
- Multiple competitions in Belgium
- Championship races on Lake Windermere
Within just one year of Villa's mentorship, Tony established an impressive collection of records:
- 1977 – Became the R6-category speed World Record holder (a record that remains unbroken)
- 1977 – Set the world production-engine powerboat record
- 1977 – Became the British National water speed record holder
During his Windermere attempts, Tony achieved a peak speed of 158mph, demonstrating the exceptional performance capabilities of his earlier endeavours.
A Deeply Personal Mission
As a father of six and grandfather to sixteen, Tony's commitment to Make-A-Wish UK holds profound personal significance. The charity specialises in granting life-changing wishes to children facing critical illnesses across the United Kingdom. Tony expressed his heartfelt motivation: "My greatest wish is to raise as much money as possible for the children. This is only the start of what I want to achieve for Make-A-Wish UK. I plan to take on further challenges over the next couple of years, each one pushing me further than the last!"
Charity Perspective: Transforming Childhood Experiences
Alison Doidge, Mass Participation Events Manager at Make-A-Wish UK, emphasised the importance of Tony's efforts: "Right now, over 134,000 children in the UK are dealing with the gruelling daily reality of life with a critical illness. Critical illness brings the joy of childhood to an abrupt end, but Make-A-Wish UK is part of a global movement that grants life-changing wishes that have the power to rescue the magic of childhood. We are so grateful to Tony for undertaking this incredible challenge to help us grant wishes to children when they need it most."
Fundraising for the "Walk on Water" challenge is already underway, with supporters encouraged to contribute through Tony's dedicated JustGiving page to help grant transformative wishes for children nationwide.
