On a date soon in August, or as soon as possible after that, I am attempting to swim the English Channel. Solo. No wetsuit.

The swim will be from Dover, either Shakespeare Beach or Samphire Hoe, to (roughly) Cap Gris-Nez in France, a distance of approximately 21 miles or 33 kilometres.

Of course, depending on currents and winds, it could be considerably longer.

I have never swum that far before so this really will be a massive challenge for which I have been training over the winter.

Why am I doing it? Many reasons! Including to raise funds for charity. As many of you already know, I am a member of the Worshipful Company of Feltmakers. The Feltmakers Foundation supports several charities every year, principal amongst which is a 3 year partnership with Brain Tumour Research.

Approximately 16,000 people are diagnosed with a brain tumour in the UK every year and an estimated 60,000 people are living with a brain tumour.

Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease since records began in 2002.

This work is incredibly important and this is my chance to help make a difference. The charity needs as much help as we can give.

Many people have said to me that they “would pay good money “ to see me do this, so now is your chance to make good on those words!


Please give generously!

Thank you.

Annie