Taking on the North Channel: A Swim for Children Who Can’t Wait

This August, I’m taking on the North Channel swim to raise money for Newlife – the Charity for Disabled Children.

The North Channel is one of the toughest open water swims in the world, between Northern Ireland and Scotland. It’s 34.5 km (21 miles) at its shortest, but strong tides mean it can be closer to 45 km (28 miles) in reality. The water sits between 11 to 14 degrees, with rough conditions and regular encounters with Lion’s Mane jellyfish. Crossings can take anywhere from 9 to 18 hours, swimming non‑stop without a wetsuit.

I’m taking this on not just for the challenge, but to support children who face far bigger challenges every day.

Across the UK, many disabled and terminally ill children wait months or even years for essential equipment. Newlife helps bridge that gap, providing wheelchairs, beds and urgent equipment when it’s needed most. They also run a nurse helpline, emergency equipment loans, play therapy services and campaign for better support for families.

In the last year alone, the charity provided 1,347 equipment grants, delivered over 23,000 instances of support to families across the UK through its nursing service, and issued 78 emergency equipment loans. Without organisations like Newlife, many children would simply go without.

Getting to this point has taken serious preparation, including a six hour qualifying swim in 12 degree water and long weekly distance training to build the endurance needed.

When the conditions are at their worst and the swim becomes a real battle, this is where the bigger purpose comes in. Every donation no matter how big or small will help Newlife continue to provide vital equipment and support to children across the UK.

If you can, please donate and be part of this challenge.

Thank you for your support.