Sophie Rutenbar is fundraising for International Rescue Committee UK

Sophie's English Channel Swim

Sophie's Solo English Channel Swim

on 13/07/2009

Photos (10)

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Raising money for

International Rescue Committee UK

Charity Registration No. 1065972

The International Rescue Committee is a world leader in relief, rehabilitation, protection, post-conflict development and resettlement services for refugees and internally displaced persons. Working in over 25 countries, IRC delivers lifesaving emergency aid, rebuilds shattered communities, cares for war-traumatised children, rehabilitates health, water and sanitation systems, establishes schools, trains teachers, strengthens local organisations and supports civil society and good-governance initiatives.

Page owner

Sophie Rutenbar

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Raised: 56%

Target: £2,500.00
Raised so far: £1,405.00

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My story

I've uploaded as many photos as I could to the left here. You can see the rest of them at www.thechannelswimmers.com. Click on Photos, then Channel 2009, then my name for a chronological, photographical summary of the day!

You can also read coverage of my swim in the Dallas Morning News at http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/DN-bigswim_26met.State.Bulldog.16f4791.html. In addition, here's a link to a press release on my alma mater's website: http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2009/07/16-002.php.

In addition, I've uploaded several short videos of the swim to Youtube. You can access them on my channel at www.youtube.com/user/sophiesswim.

Hope you enjoy, and thanks SO MUCH for all your support!!!!

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Hi, friends,

I swam the English Channel on 14 July, 2009, in 14hrs, 33min. It was a really tough swim for much of it, but that made the feeling of stepping onto French soil so much more rewarding! Thank you so much for all your words of encouragement and your support for the IRC-UK!

I'll post more photos here when I have a chance, as well as my swim log. And thanks again!

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I'm going to be swimming the English Channel in July of this summer, and I wanted to use this opportunity to draw attention to a great cause and a good organization. The International Rescue Committee advocates on behalf of and works towards the welfare of millions of refugees worldwide. I volunteered for a while as a family mentor with them, helping a resettled Congolese refugee family get adjusted to life in the US. A year and hundreds of kilometers of training under my belt, and I'm excited that all my effort can go to help those in true need.

The English Channel is often called the Everest of open water swimming. It's about twenty miles from Dover to Cap Gris Nez, but the Channel's powerful currents often make the distance marathon length or longer. In addition, swimmers must face cold temperatures of between 60 and 65 degrees F (16-17 C), as well as the world's busiest shipping lanes and highly variable and often challenging weather.

If you live in the UK and you'd like to see me off or welcome me home, please email me to let me know, and I'll get you directions in Dover. If you're not able to make it, but you'd like to follow my progress, let me know and I'll make sure you're updated during the course of my big day!

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Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: International Rescue Committee 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!

	Well done Sophie! Hope the rest of your life is going swimmingly too! Donation by Benedict Voit 15/08/09	£100.00
	Fantastic swim & a fantastic cause - well done! Donation by Alison 15/08/09	£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid
	from one channel swimmer to another channel swimmer. Congrats on your swim and all the best. Donation by Thomas W. Kofler 12/08/09	£100.00
	I honestly had to read this twice...you did WHAT???? I am thoroughly impressed. Congratulations! Donation by Mareike 04/08/09	£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid
	That was officially the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen anyone do. Also the most awesome. Donation by Nick Spearing 26/07/09	£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid
	What an amazing achievement Sophie - well done (we're Nick's mum and dad) x Donation by Kay Spearing 25/07/09	£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid
	Way to go Sophie!! We are so proud of you! Look forward to seeing you state side. Donation by Bill and Jakie Dudley 22/07/09	£15.00
	it was great to see you powering through the water and onto French soil. Fantastic job love Andrew and Alice Donation by Andrew Deeley 20/07/09	£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid
	Donation by Anonymous 17/07/09	£50.00
	We want to grow up to be just like you! Bitty, Madi and Sadie. Donation by Mike Cano 17/07/09	£50.00
	Blessings to you in this opportunity to give aid to others who do not have their needs met unless we can do a part. In Christ's Love!!! Donation by Eugene and Rachel Venechanos 17/07/09	£15.00
	You are an inspiration to us all! Donation by Marie Chevrier 16/07/09	£25.00
	congratulations sophie! please continue being awesome. Donation by Zac Cox 16/07/09	£20.00
	Congratulations, Sophie! Another impressive accomplishment--and for a good cause. Donation by Michael Wilson 16/07/09	£20.00
	Well done. A great challenge and a great achievement Donation by Stephen Edwards 16/07/09	£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid
	Sophie, this is a wonderful cause and a terrific personal accomplishment as well. Congratulations and good luck in all of your future endeavors! Donation by Theresa M. Towner 15/07/09	£25.00
	Congratulations, Sophie! We love you. Donation by Molly Seeligson 15/07/09	£10.00
	Congratulations!!! Donation by Chelsea Purvis 15/07/09	£5.00 + £1.41 Gift Aid
	Congratulations! Yet another reason to respect and admire you. Be well. Donation by Reena Schellenberg 15/07/09
	Way to go, Sophie! The outcome was never in doubt. I remain enormously proud of you and your accomplishments. Donation by Charlie Leonard 15/07/09	£25.00
	you're amazing!! Donation by Alice Sverdlik 15/07/09	£10.00
	Amazing job! Donation by Hye Jin Zumkehr 15/07/09	£10.00
	Inspirational! yea yea yea Donation by Hessom Razavi 15/07/09	£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid
	Great Job, Sophie! Donation by Kyle Gracey 15/07/09	£5.00
	Congratulations Sophie, you are my first set of teeth to swim the channel. Love David Donation by David Grinsfelder 15/07/09	£25.00
	Donation by co-worker of your Dad 14/07/09	£20.00
	Great job! Donation by Dan Cotton 14/07/09	£25.00
	You are in my thoughts and prayers. I admire your courage! Donation by Joan Romanosky (Cotton) 14/07/09	£20.00
	SO proud of you, Sophie! Can't wait to hear all about it! Donation by Krystal Stucky 14/07/09	£10.00
	Best wishes for a great swim! Donation by Nik and Lisa Martin 14/07/09

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* Total raised online:	£1,405.00
Offline donations:	£0.00
Gift Aid plus supplement:	£91.67

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