Story
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WE DID IT!!!!
On Friday 27 July 2012 at 04.25 Ruth Lowe was launched from Shakespeare Beach and our challenge began. Swimming with fluorescent green lights for identification, Ruth cleared the Dover Harbour walls and took us out into the English Channel. By the time our second swimmer Andy Markgraf took over, dawn was breaking and the sun in the East began to rise.
Swimming for 1 hour at a time Andy was followed by Janet Briggs, Lisa Stansbie, myself and Dave Holland.
We were given favorable weather conditions, low wind speeds, flat seas and a weakening tide and after 6 hours of swimming we were right in the middle of the shipping lanes watching huge container ships and ferries passing close by. Seaweed, debris, jelly fish, seals and dolphins were all encountered as the swim progressed.
At 9 hours, as Lisa took over from Janet the first sight of France appeared through the mist, the tide was right at our back and we realised that we were going to do it. Lisa handed over to me and I began to make the final turn to France and by the time Dave was in the water at 11 hours people could be seen on top of the French cliffs
Dave Holland landed the Etwall Eagles on the French shore at 16.10 in a magnificent time of 11 hours 45 minutes. Not only had we done it, we had achieved a brilliant time well beyond our expectation.
It was a brilliant experience that will be remembered for a lifetime. The team so far has raised almost £5000 for their chosen charities. Thank you for your kind support and donations