UPDATE…. On Thursday 23rd July I successfully swam the English Channel Solo, it took me 14 hours and 23 minutes.

My swim certainly had its trials and tribulations but as Captain Webb said “nothing great is easy”. He wasn’t wrong, I battled out there. I just couldn’t be beaten again.

After the disappointment of last year I trained with more focus, I spent more time sea training, I dreamt about finally reaching France. As my Channel slot came ever closer the fear started to set in, what if I didn’t make it, what then.

Fortunately I did so I’ll never have to find out 😂 hallelujah!!! 🙌

The Plan…

Take 2 of my solo Channel swim will take place (weather gods permitting) this July. This will be 100 years after the first successful female Gertrude “Trudy” Ederle who was famously quoted as saying “People said women couldn’t swim the Channel, but I proved they could”. Trudy was an inspiration to many and I hope that on this huge anniversary I can follow in her footsteps and make it those last few hundred metres to France. Last year I swam for 14 hours and 50 minutes and I was unsuccessful. This year I am back, another year of training and now armed with the knowledge of how it feels to not make it. I look forward to standing with the White Cliffs of Dover behind me looking out to my final destination, because I am ready!

A little about the Channel…

The English Channel Swim is approximately 21 miles but due to currents, winds and other factors a swimmer can cover significantly more miles. During the swim season, which is roughly July to September, the water temperature ranges from 14°C to 18°C and the swim will be unassisted meaning that I will be wearing only a swimsuit, cap, and goggles.

About three times as many climbers have summitted Everest compared to swimmers crossing the Channel. It is no mean feat with less than 50% of those attempting the swim being successful.

The Firefighters Charity…

I would love your support, my chosen charity is the Firefighters Charity, I have been a serving Wholetime Firefighter for Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service for nearly 9 years. The Firefighters Charity offers specialist, lifelong support for members of the UK fire services community, empowering individuals to live happier and healthier lives.

I have set my fundraising target at £2,100 which would be just £100 per mile, I would love to reach this target or if I could exceed it like I did last year then that would be just incredible!

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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