David Walliams still unwell after epic Thames swim

David Walliams still unwell after epic Thames swim
David Walliams still unwell after epic Thames swim (Image credit: PA)

David Walliams is still suffering the after-effects of his charity Thames swim. The funnyman struggled with a stomach upset after swallowing bacteria-filled water during the 140-mile (225km) swim, which raised more than £1 million for Sport Relief, and has still not recovered. A Comic Relief spokeswoman said: "We understand David has contracted a bug that has caused a stomach upset. He is being treated for this and has been advised by medical professionals that it is not serious and that he will soon be back to full health. David has not been tested for Weil's disease." He also tore a disc in his back as a result of his efforts. David was greeted by thousands of fans at Westminster Bridge when he finished his gruelling eight-day journey earlier this month. The 40-year-old had to contend with not only the aches and pains of the swim, but also diarrhoea, vomiting and low energy levels from 'Thames tummy'. He also struggled with a painful rash where his wetsuit rubbed his neck after the cold water forced him to abandon plans to swim in trunks. He burned nearly 66,000 calories as he powered through 107,062 strokes on the 140.54-mile (226.17km) trip. In 2006 David swam the English Channel, raising £1 million in aid of Sport Relief. He has also swum the Straits of Gibraltar and last year cycled from John O'Groats to Land's End, also for Sport Relief. SUBSCRIBE to TV Times magazine NOW and you could save up to 29%

Patrick McLennan

Patrick McLennan is a London-based journalist and documentary maker who has worked as a writer, sub-editor, digital editor and TV producer in the UK and New Zealand. His CV includes spells as a news producer at the BBC and TVNZ, as well as web editor for Time Inc UK. He has produced TV news and entertainment features on personalities as diverse as Nick Cave, Tom Hardy, Clive James, Jodie Marsh and Kevin Bacon and he co-produced and directed The Ponds, which has screened in UK cinemas, BBC Four and is currently available on Netflix. 


An entertainment writer with a diverse taste in TV and film, he lists Seinfeld, The Sopranos, The Chase, The Thick of It and Detectorists among his favourite shows, but steers well clear of most sci-fi.