Barrington English Channel Swimmer Honored as 'Volunteer of the Year'

Barrington resident Doug McConnell was honored as ‘Volunteer of the Year’ this weekend by the ALS Les Turner Foundation.

McConnell became the 48th person over the age of 50 to complete the daunting physical feat of swimming across the English Channel over the summer. He swam the channel in an effort to raise money and awareness about the foundation.  Between his fundraising efforts, a $50,000 matching grant from Medtronic and a $25,000 matching grant from the Gilbert and Jacqueline R. Fern Foundation, McConnell raised $155,000 for Les Turner ALS Foundation.

McConnell used the website called “A Long Swim” to document his training and fundraising efforts.

“When I decided to train for the swim, it was obvious to me that this effort could be much bigger, and it could be used to bring attention to a cause that has touched our family,” McConnell said.  “The success of ‘A Long Swim’ was only possible with the undying support from the whole ‘A Long Swim’ team, and I will accept the Volunteer of the Year Award on behalf of my generous, thoughtful and dependable teammates.”