Charles Biétry honoured by Channel swim for Charcot research

Charles Biétry is at the centre of a swimming tribute supporting research into Charcot disease. The 82-year-old former journalist and Canal+ sports director has lived with the neurodegenerative illness for four years. It has taken away his speech and restricted his movement. Biétry, who briefly chaired Paris Saint-Germain in 1998, also campaigns for the right to assisted dying while encouraging other patients to remain hopeful about medical research.

His niece Anne Feat will attempt to honour him with a demanding Channel crossing in the coming days. The 57-year-old from Quimper, a former competitive swimmer and now a swimming instructor, plans to swim from Dover to Cap Gris-Nez without fins or a wetsuit. She had considered the challenge since her younger years but has now connected it to support for people affected by the disease and their families.

The route measures about 34 kilometres in a straight line, although currents and maritime traffic could extend the swim to between 40 and 50 kilometres. Feat secured Biétry’s approval before committing to the attempt and was deeply moved by his encouraging response. He now communicates through a computer device. An online fundraising campaign has been created through HelloAsso to support the initiative and Charcot research.