Nick Webb
Nick Webb's Fundraising Page
Fundraising for Cancer Research UK
Story
Since 1875, when Captain Matthew Webb became the first person to swim unaided across the English Channel in a time of 21 hours and 45 minutes, swimming the English Channel has been seen by people from all over the world as the ultimate swimming endurance test.
Considered the most gruelling swim in the world it is “the Mount Everest of open-water swimming”
The shortest route across the Channel is 21 miles but it is safe to say that the Channel is much more taxing than this distance might suggest.
When swimming the Channel you need to take into consideration:
- up to three metre waves from the 400 ferries crossing daily
- constantly shifting sea currents
- stinging jellyfish, seaweed and 'flotsam'
- strong winds reaching up to 30 knots.
But the main obstacle is the cold water, with a temperature ranging between 13 and 17 degrees Celsius. Under cross-channel swimming rules, no wetsuits are allowed to protect against the cold. We will be wearing regular swim suits, a layer of goosefat and mother nature's insulation (five square meals a day:)
Webb's Wonders comprise six experienced outdoor swimmers, including my brother Matthew (!) and myself. Five of us (we have one reserve) will be swimming as a relay team, alternating one hour legs, from Shakespeare Beach in Dover to Cap Griz Nez (near Calais).
Leaving at 5am, we expect to reach France, 21 miles away, in around 17 hours (weather dependent). Therefore we expect to swim 3 to 4 hours each, in extreme conditions! We will be accompanied by an experienced skipper who will independently authenticate the crossing, see CS&PA.
I have never done anything like this before and probably never will again. Therefore please give generously to support a worthy cause, cancer research.
Visit Webb's Wonders Website (WWW) regularly to see our route, follow our training and watch clips of the crossing.
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Cancer Research UK 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.
So please sponsor me now!