Chris Hulme

Occupation: Partner of the St James’s Place Partnership and Director of The Clayton Hulme Partnership Ltd.
Interest and Hobbies: Swimming (!?!), Motor sport, Karate, Salsa (dips and dancing), Windsurfing, Flying (during this challenge by the seat of my swimming shorts).
Hours of training so far: I have lost count – normally twice weekly, although it has been stepped up in the last week or so, as the event is getting oh so close. I have had several cold-water swims in and around the lakes, also in the sea off the northwest coast and Wales.
Reason for taking part in the swim: Mr Greening caught me off guard at a rather vulnerable point at the Christmas night out in 2004. In fairness, to see and hear the events taking place throughout the developing world, with political and military unrest orphaning so many children without the resources of social care, which we expect as the norm here in the UK.  This, together with the work that is carried out by Hope and Homes to ease the suffering of innocent lives, meant it was not a decision that would ever have a ‘No’ answer.
Looking forward to: Never seeing another jellyfish in my life (!!) and being able to say ‘We did it!!’ Also being able to see St James’s Place Partnership shelling out another £100,000 to the Foundation and Hope and Homes for Children.
Greatest fear: Mr Greening swimming further than I do and the jellyfish. Dropping my Mars Bars or Bananas in the seawater, as I don’t think they will taste quite the same. Throwing up, seasickness, ferries, cold, grease, rain, wind, waves, I should stop now
Any other comments I have: I have ordered a waterproof passport and been amazed at just how much kit we actually need. The children need loads of money to help them experience some kind of normality in childhood – so send it to us now – it will cost St James’s Place Partnership a fortune!!!!