We were six swimmers looking for a challenge. We've been training together for years, but recently were struck by a desire to do something different. The regular swims at the Cally pool were not enough and so we've decided to go for something longer. And colder. With more waves. And big ships as obstacles. And jellyfish. A swim across the English Channel seemed just like the challenge we were looking for.

Our training started in April with cold swims in Parliament Hill Lido - a very chilly 9C (that's under 50 degrees for the Americans in the group) and remember – NO WETSUITS allowed!! We've since made it over to Dover Harbour in May for more swims in the now not just cold but salty 9C!! Every weekend rain or shine we are in the pool or the ocean getting ourselves used to the temperature... We're not sure we'll ever be used to it, but we hear that blue limbs and lips are the new black.  Each week after the swims, we enjoy the looks we get from people in shorts and t-shirts staring at the strange group of swimmers shivering with 6 layers of clothes on, winter coats and numb hands and feet.

By July 18 we will have done our 2hr qualifying swim and will be ready for our mission to swim as a team from Dover to Calais....one hour slots each until we get there dodging the P&O ferries, cargo ships with thousands of containers, and the curious sounding flotsam and jetsam (and the jellyfish)!!

I am sure you will all agree this isn't just a swim to get sponsored for but a commitment and challenge of a far larger scale - so it would be great if you could donate anything you can to one or both of our chosen charities, Bliss and Breakthrough Cancer - both charities being very close to our hearts.

www.justgiving.com/SuperCallyFrigidDigitsExtraMaximDosesBreakthrough (supporting Breakthrough Breast Cancer)

Thanks for your support!!

SuperCallyFrigidDigitsExtraMaximDoses!

 

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