Sorry that this page has gotten somewhat outdated - it will be completely updated asap. Thanks so much for your support x

So as many of you know a few years ago I sadly lost my cousin to cancer. That day I vowed to try my best to raise money to try to help stop this horrific disease from taking more lives. So a plan was born - I wanted to swim the English Channel. I don't mind admitting, i was naive - apparently you don't just practice in the pool and then pop down to Dover. It takes massive physical and financial commitment. I didn't have the time, i was nowhere near fit enough. But the dream didn't leave me, that was until, the Channel claimed the lives of not one, but two, of the most incredible athletes I have ever met. The day that Nick passed I made a promise to my Mom that i wouldn't put her through that, the day that Doug passed she made me say it again. I haven't ever truly let the Channel dream die. I have done other things, I have tried (and failed) to arrange relay teams. I have always felt like I owed it to everyone who sponsored me already. Today I came across a perfect 'substitute' if you will. I found the opportunity to do a 21 mile lake swim - next year - in June - under CSA regulations (no wetsuit, no breaks). I have entered... it is going to be hard, 21 miles is actually a really long way. It won't be the EC but it will be my own little nut to crack. I hope I do Rowan and everyone who has sponsored me up to now proud.

2018: swim challenges

14.04.2018: Guildford 12 - 12 miles, 12 hours - one mile every hour on the hour (in Guildford lido) (daytime)

26/27.05.2018: 100% swimming 12 hour swim - as above - but night-time! (Activities Away, Lincoln)

16/17.06.2018: D day - the big one - 21 miles! USwim 'Swim The English Channel Swim Up North' Challenge (36km)' Boundary Water Park

05.08.2018: the Thames Marathon - 15K - downstream: call it a recovery swim :)

Thank you very much for visiting my fundraising page, further details about why I embarked on this challenge are listed below but I will post all updates at the top of this page so check back again soon for progress reports, 

Ellen x

Welcome to my Just Giving page for Cancer Research U.K.

Initially my target was simple.... swim across the English Channel and raise £10,000 for Cancer Research UK!

I am now a couple of years in and have had the stark realisation that this challenge is not as simple as I had first envisaged....

So a new plan is born...

I am still planning to swim across the English Channel (when I have time and money to afford to attempt this truly difficult challenge!), however I want some mini targets to achieve along the way, to keep me motivated and to show you wonderful people who are helping me to fund-raise that I am working hard!

I have designed a new fundraising board with the following 'mini-challenges'

*New for 2015*

In addition to our crazy challenges, my sister, my family and friends and I have been involved with the Race for Life events - selling lovely pink Gerbera's to the runners and their families.

So inspired were we by what we saw we set up our own event, our CRUK Virtual Run/Swim/Kayak/Cycle/any other exercise event :) Where people pledged to engage in some form of exercise over 3, 6 or 13.1 miles. Lots of people have become involved and donations are flooding in. 

My sister and her friends from the Royal Sutton Coldfield Canoe Club undertook their own mammoth challenge as part of this - by paddling a whopping 12 miles along the canal into Birmingham! An incredible achievement by them all!

*New for 2014* 

I am pleased to announce that my sister (Hannah Williams) has withdrawn her accusations that I have gone 'completely crazy' and is now diving head first into some of these challenges with me (for which I am extremely grateful!)

1. Climb Scafell Pike

2. Climb Mt Snowdon - completed 24 August 2014

3. Climb Ben Nevis

4. Run 10km - completed 25 March 2014

5. Run a half marathon (with my sister) - completed with my sister 19 October 2014

6. Run three half marathons in three days (Enduroman Festival of Events) - completed 28 - 30 May 2015

7. Run a marathon

8. Swim 3 miles in open water - completed 15 June 2014

9. Swim 6 hours in open water - completed 07 September 2014

10. Swim 10.5 miles in open water (one way windermere) - completed with my sister 07 September 2014

11. Swim 12 miles in open water (Enduroman Festival of Events) - completed 26 May 2015

12. Swim the English Channel in a relay team (booked for June 2016)

13. SWIM THE ENGLISH CHANNEL IN A SOLO ATTEMPT

Why do I do it? Cancer Research U.K is a good enough reason by itself. We all know people who have suffered as a result of the disease, and money is needed to fund the vital research that will inevitably one day beat it. In particular the inspiration for this event came from my cousin who sadly lost her battle with cancer. This is for everyone, those who survive, those who sadly don't, and the families and friends who are all deeply affected by this savage disease! 

 I want you to get to know me and follow my journey from non-runner and occasional swimmer to marathon runner and channel swimmer! 

Please search for 'Elle Swims 4 Hope' on FB and @EL_Swim_4_Hope on twitter and follow my training (the good and the not so good!)

It's going to be hard work. Please follow and support me :)

And remember, after all else is gone, there is always hope!

Ellen Swims 4 Hope

Ellen Williams x