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Hello! My name is Ben, I am 11 years old and my Channel swimming journey began two years ago. I am autistic/ADHD and I really struggled to find my place until I started swimming, through swimming I have made friends and found my people.

From a young age sport and particularly swimming has always been my passion and when I joined my new school in year 5 and knew they had a Channel Swim relay squad my mind was made up and my goal was set. I was going to be a Channel swimmer! The only issue was I needed to be 12 years old to take part, I was only 10 years old so in October 2024 I started a two year training programme so that I knew when I turned 12 I would be ready to go.

I have trained really hard for 2 years, swimming in water as less warm as 9 degrees through the winters to get me ready for the less warm open water. I have trained 7-10 hours a week with school and my swim club Crewe Flyers to build my stamina, in March 2026 was the first opportunity to take a qualifying swim. It was a 2 hour continuous swim in 15.4 degree water, I couldn't feel my toes by the end but I did it and I was really happy to qualify at the first attempt.

I turn 12 years old later this month and I am aiming to cross the Channel with my team in August armed with just a pair of swim shorts, cap and googles - I can't wear a wetsuit, its not in the rules! The money I hope to raise is for Mencap and our team is called the Mencap Marvels.

Mencap supports people with learning disabilities and their families every day, helping them access opportunities, independence, support and a voice. Any donation to help me reach my goal of swimming the Channel and supporting Mencap is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your support

Ben