It’s been described as one of the toughest and greatest swim challenges on the globe, and that you can’t call yourself a ‘true open water swimmer’ until you’ve completed it - but two Tenby tradesmen will be taking on an historic cross-continental swim from Europe to Asia in Turkey next month for charity.

Local electrician Peter Brace and plumber Peter Kidney are currently preparing for the annual ‘Victory Day’ Hellespont swimming race in Canakkale, Turkey, described as the ‘World’s Oldest Swim’ where they’ll be required to battle the conditions to race from one continent to another, all for a worthy cause.

The Hellespont and Dardanelles crossing is a significant open water swim of 4.5 km between Europe and Asia. There is also a time limit of 120 minutes for the race.

Conditions during the event may be challenging, with swimmers warned of ‘choppy seas’ and ‘strong currents’ which they will have to take on without a wetsuit!

The Hellespont is celebrated in the ancient Greek myth as the straight which Leander swims across to reach his lover Hero.

It was officially swum for the first time by the famous poet, Lord Byron, in 1810, who declared it as his proudest achievement after completing the swim in a mere one hour and ten minutes: “I plume myself on this achievement more than I could possibly do on any kind of glory, political, poetical or rhetorical,” he said afterwards.

Ever since, the race has been considered the absolute epitome of open water swimming and can often be found at the top of any avid open water swimmer’s international wish list.

No other open water challenge in the world combines as much history, prestige, romance and bragging rights into a single swim as the legendary crossing of the Dardanelles strait, as one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world is closed for the annual race which takes place on August 30.

“It’s not your average swim - but we’re not your average blokes!” joked Peter Brace.

“I said to Peter last August do you fancy this, and now here we are around a year later preparing for this iconic and significant open water swim - with no wetsuit to boot!

“It’s a there and back trip too, so no time for a holiday, just the swim challenge itself.

“Given the task we are undertaking we are also raising money for the ‘Teenage Cancer Trust’ charity who provide expert treatment and fantastic support for people aged between 13 and 24 from the moment they hear the word ‘cancer.’

“We’ve both had children, and now grandchildren too, and god forbid, we’ve not been touched by it in our families, as it must be horrendous for those that have gone through it - so we wanted to do our bit for such a worthy cause.

“Any donation will be gratefully appreciated and will help this fantastic cause,” added Peter.

You can view and donate to the duo’s fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/Peter-Brace-Peter-Kidney with cash donations to the cause also accepted as well by the fundraisers.