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My Story

In August this year I plan to swim the English Channel. It seemed like a good thing to back in 2014, but nearly two years later and time seems to be flying towards my allowed swim time slot - one day between 25th to 28th August.

The Challenge ........ what I am up against:

The English Channel is a 21 mile (32km) stretch or sea at the shortest point between Dover, England and Cap Gris Nez on the French coast. I say at the shortest point, as depending on the speed I swim, the weather and the tides in the Channel it could be considerably longer. The fastest swim has been just under 7 hours and the slowest around 27 hours and the average for completing is around 13.5 hours. That is for those that do complete it. Approximately 60% of those attempting it complete the swim and there are more people who have climbed Mt Everest than have swum the Channel.

As well as the distance, the Channel is also one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, with two lanes to cross during the swim.

The Channel is also cold. Ranging from on average 13 deg C to 18 deg C between June and September, which is the normal swim season.That is 10 to 15 deg C colder than your local pool.

Jelly fish are common…..and can be a real problem

And lastly ….the regulations state that I can only swim in traditional costume (Speedos), with one cap and a pair of goggles.

On the positive side

I have support. Although I am swimming in the water most of the time by myself, I have a team around me looking after my safety and well being.

An experienced Pilot with a boat - navigating me across the Channel and looking after my safety. An observer from the Channel Swimming Association - making sure I comply with the rules (and there are many- like not being able to touch the boat at any time during the swim).

A team of 3 on the boat (Andy, Dave and Nigel) ensuring I feed on the way, cracking the whip and generally motivating me and keeping me positive through the swim. A team of 4 on land (Cat, Ken, Tom and Michelle) supporting my training and keeping me positive.

So anyway……..

As some of you are aware, I have done a few challenges in recent years, but nothing like this.

This is the biggest test of my fitness, endurance and more importantly strength of mind challenge I have embarked upon.  Because of this I have decided to try and raise money for a charity which is close to my heart and one that I have been supporting for nearly 30 years.

Actionaid

Actionaid is a charity which I have supported for nearly 30 years now. I saw an advert in a National Newspaper asking for people to sponsor a child in Bangladesh. I was a student at the time and didn't have that much money but saw what a small regular donation could achieve at this time and the difference that this money made to a young girl's life. What was then the equivalent of round of drinks in the pub on a monthly basis paid for this girl's education. 

I continued to support Actionaid even after the young girl had finished her education and started work. At the time I liked the idea of helping someone, having that contact with a person and following their journey over the years. However, through this experience and regular updates from Actionaid I have learned about the fantastic work Actionaid do to change the lives of some of the poorest and most disadvantaged women and children in the world.

To my friends and colleagues around the globe, I would ask you to take some time to read about the good work that Actionaid do and to spare some of your hard earned money to support this charity, even if it's just this once. Whatever money you can spare is greatly appreciated….no amount is too small. 

100% of donations will transferred directly to Actionaid via the Just Giving web site. 

Costs associated with preparation and meeting this challenge are at my own personal expense.

My commitment is to complete the swim, hopefully in one attempt, and even if the weather stops me, I will go though the prep again if needs be and I will promise to keep all up to date with progress before, during (via live tracking) and after my swim.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and hopefully you will choose to support me in a good cause.