At 82, Tony Fahey is attempting something that sounds almost impossible, travelling across water using a machine designed to mimic the motion of walking. The British man has built a human-powered watercraft called the “aqua elliptica” for a 24-hour charity challenge, with the goal of raising money for Make-A-Wish UK. According to Make-A-Wish UK, Fahey planned to lead a four-person team at Sale Water Park in Greater Manchester in an attempt to set a world record for the longest continuous “walk on water”. The challenge combines endurance with an unusual piece of engineering, requiring participants to keep the craft moving across the water for an entire day. For Fahey, however, the attempt is about more than setting a record. After surviving a serious road accident and completing a long rehabilitation, he has continued training and taking on demanding challenges while using his efforts to support children living with critical illnesses.
Tony Fahey aims for a 24-hour world record on water
Fahey’s challenge centres on an ambitious endurance target, spending 24 hours travelling across the water using his specially designed machine. The attempt was planned for 7 and 8 May 2026 at Sale Water Park in Greater Manchester, where Fahey intended to lead a four-person team. The challenge was organised to raise money for Make-A-Wish UK, which grants wishes to children living with critical illnesses. Rather than simply completing a personal endurance test, Fahey wanted the unusual feat to generate attention and funds for the charity. The planned attempt also reflects Fahey’s long-standing connection with water sports and speed records. His latest machine is very different from the powerboats he raced decades ago, but the idea remains familiar, combine engineering, physical endurance and a difficult target to push what is possible.
The ‘aqua elliptica ’ that he used is designed to mimic walking
Fahey’s unusual machine was developed specifically for his water challenge. Known as the “aqua elliptica”, the human-powered craft uses a movement similar to that of an elliptical cross-trainer. Instead of relying on a conventional engine, the person operating the machine moves their legs in an elliptical motion. That movement helps propel the craft forwards, creating the impression that the person is walking across the surface of the water. The design gives Fahey a way to turn the simple idea of “walking on water” into a practical engineering challenge. The machine provides the buoyancy needed to keep the user above the water while converting their physical movement into forward motion.
A serious road accident did not end his endurance ambitions
Fahey’s decision to take on another demanding challenge comes after a major setback. In February 2021, he was struck by a car travelling at around 50 mph while out for his daily walk. He suffered severe injuries, underwent emergency surgery and then spent around 18 months undergoing intensive rehabilitation. His recovery did not end his interest in physical challenges. Make-A-Wish UK says Fahey now trains five days a week as he prepares for his water-based attempt. His determination also has a much longer history. Fahey previously competed in Formula One powerboat racing and received mentoring from Leo Villa, a renowned racing mechanic who had worked with Sir Malcolm Campbell and Donald Campbell.
Fahey has already set world and British water-speed records
The planned 24-hour challenge is not Fahey’s first attempt at breaking records. In 1977, after entering Formula One powerboat racing, he set two world records and one British national record. Among them was an R6-category speed world record, alongside a production-engine powerboat world record and the British national water-speed record. During one run on Lake Windermere, Fahey reached a peak speed of 158 mph. The R6-category record he established in 1977 remains unbroken, according to Make-A-Wish UK. His latest challenge represents a dramatic change of pace, rather than using a powerful racing boat to reach extreme speeds, he is relying on his own physical effort and an unconventional machine. At 82, Fahey is therefore combining a history of record-breaking on water with a new goal centred on endurance and charity. His 24-hour “walk on water” attempt is intended to raise money for Make-A-Wish UK while showing that age does not necessarily have to put an end to ambitious challenges.
