The water temperature in the Channel is about 17 degrees at the moment. The crossing is around 21 miles, although that depends on tides. The traditional rules allow the swimmer to wear only trunks, 1 swim cap and 1 pair of goggles. Touching the accompanying boat results in disqualification. Many more people have been to the summit of Everest than have swum across the English Channel.

In the swimming baths where I learned to swim, there was a plaque commemorating the English Channel swim of a club member in 1979. It was my childhood ambition to emulate that swimmer and cross the Channel; an ambition that seemed to grow more distant as I began to appreciate what was involved.

I am delighted to support Dreams Come True, a national charity which gives children with life-limiting conditions the opportunity to fulfil their dreams. In fulfilling an ambition I have held since childhood, I hope that with your support we can give something similar to these children.

My swim will be tracked at:

https://www.channelswimmingassociation.com/pilots/viking-princess-ii

Dreams Come True is a national children's charity, whose mission is to enrich the lives of children & young people with serious and life-limiting conditions, by making their dreams come true. The day to day of everyday life can seem like a mountain to climb for them, but with a dream a life can be transformed. By donating you are making Dreams Come True!

Thank you.