Thank you for visiting my JustGiving page.

My swimming journey began three years ago when I joined the Beech Hall Channel Swim Squad with the dream of swimming the English Channel. With the support of our coach, Nikki Pope, and our headteacher, Mr Allen, my confidence grew quickly, along with my swimming skills. Then winter arrived… and so did the less warm water.

I struggled. Really struggled.

After several failed attempts at the qualifier — a gruelling two‑hour continuous swim in water under 15.5 degrees wearing just swim trunks with no wet suit — including one where I missed it by just 15 minutes, I had to step away from the squad and focus on my GCSEs.

With those behind me, I started a BTEC in Sport and promised myself I’d try again. My family backed me all the way, even getting into the cold water with me. My younger brother Gabe, aged 10, trained alongside me and is hoping to qualify next year (mainly because he wants to beat me!).

In November, I hit another setback: appendicitis. After emergency surgery, I was back at school within one week and back in training as soon as my wounds had healed.

I’ve trained everywhere — open water, outdoor lidos, Liverpool docks, and the open sea. I’ve spent hours in cold water at home. I thought I had it… but it kept slipping out of reach.

I arrived at Dover Swim Camp expecting a tough week of training before another attempt. But then the weather warmed, the sea rose to qualifying temperature, and suddenly it was time. My first attempt didn’t go well, but I went back the next day and tried again.

I am so grateful to the Beech Hall coaching team — Nikki, Mr Allen, Ben — and to my teammate Gio, who supported me through the setbacks and the qualifier. On Tuesday 26th May, after many failed attempts, I finally qualified. I think you can see from the photo just how happy I was.

This August, I will be part of a six‑person relay swimming across the English Channel — a challenge that brings cold temperatures, jellyfish stings, and seasickness, but also determination, teamwork, and pride.

I’m swimming to raise money for Mencap, a charity that supports people with learning disabilities to live full, meaningful lives. This challenge is about more than swimming; it’s about resilience, inclusion, and making a real difference.

Your support can help Mencap continue its vital work. Donating through JustGiving is simple, secure, and goes directly to the charity. My fundraising target is £2,000 by August, and every contribution — big or small — brings us closer to that goal. Together we can turn determination into hope and change lives for the better.

Thank you for believing in resilience and supporting Mencap’s vital work.

Best wishes,

Cameron

**UPDATE 18.08.2026**

Thank you everyone for your kind and generous donations. I am nearly there! I wanted to update you all on what happens now. Our first swim window opens tomorrow but due to the tides in the Channel (currently a really challenging Spring tide, moving into a Neap tide at the weekend) we do not know when we will get the call and which of our relay teams will be making the swim. I am training hard each day and my bags are packed, ready to head South when the phone rings.

Thank you so much for all your kind messages and support. I really do appreciate it.

Cameron