In the early hours of Friday 31 July a motley crew set off from with a minibus full of sleeping bags, energy bars and sea sickness tablets, for an epic journey.
At 4.30am the same crew hit the icy waters of and with a backdrop of white cliffs, Emma took the first plunge of the day. In the hours that followed, there were jelly fish the size of , breast-stroke related groin injuries, and plentiful bouts of sea sickness to contend with.
But the weather was kind and the oil slicks minimal and some 13 hours, 17 minutes, and 10 seconds later, to the delight of some gallic beach strollers we finally hit the French shore – in amazing time for a group expecting to be the slowest channel swimmers on record!!! Hurrah!
We’re thrilled to bits to have made it all the way to – especially since we’ve been dealing with chest infections, swine flu, and dissertations over the past few weeks, not to mention that one of the team only learnt front crawl this year.
Thank you to anyone who has donated so far - to date we’ve raised over £9,000 for street kids in which is fantastic! These donations and your kind words of support helped us keep going through the darkest hours, and we’re all exceptionally touched and grateful. We're taking this money over to our projects in in a matter of weeks now, so we'll be able to report back on how your money has helped street kids very soon.
Now we’ve reached British soil again, we’d love you to join us this weekend on Sat 8 August for a good old celebratory knees up in café. Come along between 3pm – 8pm for music, food and general post swim merriment.
See you there!
Sarah Oakes, Hannah Barrett, Tom Parr, Alice, Louise and Emma Shepheard-Walwyn
What's it all about?
Help us to help them and sponsor the madness. We are doing this to help Azul Wasi, a home for vulnerable street children, get on it's feet and be self sustaining and independent from outside funding in future. Azul Wasi protects children from the dangers of the streets and helps them get on their feet so they can have a brighter, happier future. Every penny counts so please be as generous as you can...! Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Latin American Foundation for the Future gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.
Thanks for all your support!
