I'm one of six serving soldiers, all members of the Royal Signals, who will attempt to swim the English Channel as a 6-person relay. We will be undertaking this challenge as per the Channel Swimming & Piloting Federation rules, meaning no wetsuits (icy cold) and a strict 60 minute rotation between team members. The conditions in the channel are harsh, with cold water, currents, tides and "stuff in the water" to deal with! When not swimming, team members will be waiting their turn, bobbing about in our pilot boat and encouraging the swimmer in the water, whilst facing the weather and potential sea sickness!

The idea was first hatched in 2019 as this was planned as one of many events that Royal Signals service personnel have been taking part in to celebrate our Corps centenary from 1920-2020. Delayed due to the obvious, we are now on track to complete the crossing before the end of September 2022 - although dates are TBC due to the weather.

So, over a year ago, the team took its first dip in the sea to get a taste of what we were letting ourselves in for. We have since spent hundreds of hours training in the pools, lakes and the sea. Given the effort put into the event, we thought that the amazing work that BLESMA do would make them an ideal charity to raise money for - supporting veterans who have lost limbs to have as normal and fulfilling a life as is possible.

Any donation, no matter how small, would be very much appreciated.