Downstream

feels like it’s got conditioner
in it and your skin feels like
silk, it’s like a mud treatment.
I’ve swum other rivers and
the Thames is cleaner. It’s a
sanctuary for me. I did a two-
day swim near Grafton Lock,
we got out there at night and
the lock keeper made us tea
and we became friends.’ Phil
usually straps a knife to his
calf if he’s swimming alone,
not to fend off anything but in
case he gets caught in