Mission Sapt Sagar – Swimming the Dream for BBC Children in Need

I am thrilled to share my journey as I take on the “Ocean 7 Challenge” in support of BBC Children in Need. This incredible charity works tirelessly to help children and young people across the UK rebuild their lives, and I am honoured to contribute to such a meaningful cause.

I am swimming my dream through “Mission Sapt Sagar” (Seven Seas Mission) — a journey dedicated to empowering girls through education and sport. As a young endurance swimmer, I believe that sport has the power to transform lives, build confidence, develop resilience and create opportunities for future generations.

I am incredibly proud to have successfully completed the Catalina Channel, one of the world's most challenging open-water swims. Covering approximately 40 kilometres in 15 hours and 23 minutes, I became the youngest Indian to complete the Catalina Channel solo. This achievement marked an important milestone in my Ocean 7 journey and strengthened my belief that determination, resilience and perseverance can help us overcome even the toughest challenges.

My journey then brought me to the waters between Northern Ireland and Scotland, where I took on the North Channel Solo — another legendary and extremely challenging channel swim. Completing the North Channel was a deeply meaningful milestone in Mission Sapt Sagar, requiring immense endurance, mental strength and perseverance in cold and demanding conditions.

I also completed the mandatory 8-hour qualifying open-water swim in 12.5°C waters at Dover Bay, United Kingdom, demonstrating the preparation and commitment required for some of the world's toughest channel swims.

These achievements are only the beginning of my ambitious journey towards completing the Oceans Seven Challenge, widely regarded as one of the most demanding challenges in open-water swimming.

My Mission Sapt Sagar journey includes:

Catalina Channel — COMPLETED

North Channel Solo — COMPLETED

English Channel Relay - COMPLETED

English Channel Solo

Cook Strait

Tsugaru Channel

Strait of Gibraltar

Molokai Channel

Every channel I swim is dedicated to inspiring young girls to dream big, break barriers and pursue their goals through education and sport.

The courage shown by the children supported by BBC Children in Need motivates me throughout every mile of these demanding swims. They face challenges that many of us cannot imagine, yet they continue to inspire us with their strength, resilience and determination.

Through Mission Sapt Sagar, I hope to use my journey not only to achieve sporting milestones but also to spread a message: every girl deserves the opportunity to dream, learn, participate in sport and work towards her full potential.

Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of children and young people by providing the support they need to overcome obstacles and build brighter futures.

I humbly ask for your support in helping me reach my fundraising target of £2,000. Every donation, no matter how small, will contribute towards supporting children and young people across the UK through BBC Children in Need.

Please join me on this journey. Your generosity and encouragement will not only support BBC Children in Need, but will also help me spread the message that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, dream and thrive.

Thank you for your kindness, support and belief in this cause.

Divya Mahajan & Family

Mission Sapt Sagar

Preston, United Kingdom

Instagram: @chasing_7oceans