University of Bristol professor takes on Bosphorus swim challenge in memory of lifelong friend to support Marfan Trust

University of Bristol professor takes on Bosphorus swim challenge in memory of lifelong friend to support Marfan Trust

(IN BRIEF) Professor Chrissie Thirlwell, Head of the University of Bristol Medical School and Medical Oncologist, will compete in the Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swim on 24 August, marking the final leg of her 20-year “crossing continents” swimming series. The 6.5km race from Asia to Europe is dedicated to her lifelong friend Kirsty Widdowson, who recently passed away from complications of Marfan syndrome. Chrissie has raised almost £3,000 for the Marfan Trust, a charity supporting families and research into the condition. Known for balancing her medical career with endurance challenges such as the English Channel, the Strait of Gibraltar, and the Alcatraz duathlon, Chrissie continues to champion the importance of prioritising health, happiness, and personal fulfilment.

(PRESS RELEASE) BRISTOL, 18-Aug-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Professor Chrissie Thirlwell, Medical Oncologist and Head of the University of Bristol Medical School, is about to take on the final chapter of a remarkable two-decade journey of open-water swimming challenges across the world’s seas, all while raising money for the Marfan Trust, a cause she has chosen in memory of her lifelong friend, Kirsty Widdowson.

On 24 August, Professor Thirlwell will compete in the Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swim, a 6.5-kilometre race from Asia to Europe that will see her face strong currents and navigate one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. She joins more than 2,400 swimmers from across the globe in this iconic endurance event. For her, the challenge is not only athletic but deeply personal, dedicated to the memory of Kirsty, who recently passed away after living with Marfan syndrome, a rare genetic condition affecting connective tissue.

This swim marks the conclusion of Chrissie’s “crossing continents” series, which has already included landmark feats such as swimming the English Channel in 2007, crossing the Strait of Gibraltar in 2013 alongside Orcas, swimming from the British to the US Virgin Islands in 2014, and becoming the first woman in her age group to finish the Alcatraz duathlon in the same year. Alongside numerous other international swims, triathlons, and marathons, her record of achievements reflects not just athletic ability but extraordinary determination.

“Doing this in Kirsty’s memory feels right, especially knowing she would have laughed and told me I was crazy,” Chrissie said. “Kirsty was never defined by Marfan syndrome—she lived with warmth, humour, and strength. I am proud to do this in her honour, with the blessing of her family.”

As both an oncologist and academic leader, Chrissie juggles her demanding professional role with rigorous training. She begins her days at 5am, fitting in trail running, swimming, or strength training before her workday starts. She credits this balance as vital for both her wellbeing and her career: “Feeling fit and strong goes hand in hand with the demands of my job. I tell my students the same thing—it doesn’t have to be extreme sport, it just has to be something that makes you happy.”

Her fundraising efforts have already brought in nearly £3,000 for the Marfan Trust, which supports families and funds research into the condition. Chrissie’s commitment to health and happiness is evident not only in her athletic pursuits but also in her wider life, as she now looks toward new challenges such as rowing and even performing as the lead singer and electric ukulele player in her band, Otter Chaos.

Looking back on her decades of endurance sports, Chrissie views each challenge as a chance to live fully, push boundaries, and inspire others to prioritise wellbeing. “I really do believe it’s absolutely essential to make time for what makes you happy, especially as we age,” she said.

For those wishing to support her fundraising efforts, Chrissie’s Just Giving page is available at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/chrissie-thirlwell-1.

Chrissie’s sporting achievements in full include: 10 years of Olympic triathlon, and one 1/2 Ironman in USA; completing the London and New York marathons, training for the channel with a 6-hour swim around Gozo; many, many hours swimming in Dover harbour over 4 months training for eventually swimming the English channel; swimming the Gibraltar straight; the UK Virgin Islands to US Virgin Islands; Lake Zurich; Alcatraz duathlon; the River Dart 10k swim; swimming around and between the Isles of Scilly; the Italian lakes; Lake Bled; the Oman Fjords and around Formentera in Ibiza.

Media Contact:

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Email: press-office@bristol.ac.uk

SOURCE: University of Bristol