Raphaël "Raphy" Pryor, my godmother's grandson, died on 16 March 2024. He collapsed while playing a sport at his school and could not be resuscitated. He was just 17 and the beloved only son of Michael Pryor and Sabine Vandenbroucke. Raphaël was a talented and well-loved young man—a scholar and sportsman with a bright future ahead of him.

Whilst I met Raphaël once, our families have known each other since the 1960s—my mum is best friends with his gran (my godmother).

With fellow members of the Serpentine Swimming Club, I am part of a relay team swimming the English Channel on 24 August 2025; that day marks 150 years since the first person (Capt. Matthew Webb) officially crossed the English Channel on 24 August 1875.

To honour Raphaël, his family, and countless others, I am raising money for Child Bereavement UK as we prepare for the English Channel.

To learn more about the fundraising effort, and the family behind the story, visit Raphy's Runner's and Sabine Vandenbroucke's (Raphy's mum) JustGiving pages.

If you're interested in learning more about my channel and fundraising story, Child Bereavement UK posted a blog post with more detail.

Any donation, large or small, will help this charity to continue its significant work—while encouraging my team and me as we swim across the English Channel.