Simon and Jon have been close friends for over 20 years, a friendship that first blossomed at Stockport Metro Swimming Club, where their shared love for swimming began. Fast forward a few decades and their bond is stronger than ever, having trekked across snow-covered peaks to cycling in the mountains. They have always sought new challenges, pushing each other to achieve more. Now they are about to take on their biggest challenge yet: swimming the English Channel. 

The challenge: The distance from Dover to Calais is 21 miles however the swimming distance will total 26 miles with the tides. The sea temperature will be approx. 16 degrees. They will have an accompanying charter boat and will alternate - one swimming for an hour whilst the other rests - until they reach the shores of France. They estimate it’ll take around 14 hours to complete the crossing, encountering swarms of jellyfish, cold winds and sea swells - maybe even some seals and dolphins if they’re lucky! 

Andy’s Man Club are a men’s mental health and suicide prevention charity. They offer free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups for men across the UK. Suicide is still the number one cause of death for men under 50 in the UK. Simon and Jon deeply believe in the work of Andy’s Man Club and feel there is much more that can be done to raise awareness of their work - it really is lifesaving!

By embarking on this challenge, Simon and Jon want to inspire others, including their own children, and show what’s possible when you dedicate yourself to a goal, no matter how daunting it may seem. It’s about pushing limits, finding motivation, and inspiring other men to take on their own challenges, however big or small. Challenging yourself and achieving what you set out to achieve can be the ultimate remedy for mental health! 

Thanks to the Equilibrium Foundation, every donation will be matched up to £3,000, meaning your support can go twice as far! Your generosity will help support all their clubs across the UK, along with the men that use them and their families. You’re also helping them open new clubs to support more men across the UK and reduce the stigmas surrounding men’s mental health. 

To learn more about the impactful work Andy's Man Club is doing or to find your nearest group, visit their website: https://andysmanclub.co.uk/

Thank you very much for your support!