George's fundraiser for Oxford Hospitals / English Channel Swim
George Middleton is raising money for Oxford Hospitals Charity
Story
An old friend, Michael Carter, asked me to join a fundraising team to swim the English Channel this July. He does amazing work as a paediatric critical care doctor and I was delighted to agree.
Depending on the tide and currents, we expect to start in the dark and take circa 15 hours. Alternating from a support boat, six of us will combine to attempt to swim around 40km (6-8km each), from Dover to Calais, across the busiest shipping lane in the world.
The water will be choppy and cold, potentially down to 11 degrees.
No wetsuits - so just cap, goggles and speedos.
We've each had to complete a 2-hour cold water assessment to qualify.
Why, why, why...
We are raising money for Oxford University Hospitals Paediatric Critical Care Unit (PCCU).
Micky and his colleagues at the PCCU do extraordinary, literally life-saving work, day-in day-out. I’m proud to join Rosie, Andrew, Sarah, Hazel and Micky to show and contribute support for that work.
See more below.
Any and all sponsorship is hugely appreciated.
Thank you,
George
The PCCU Channel Swim - Fundraising Appeal for Oxford University Hospitals Paediatric Critical Care Unit (PCCU)
Around 1,000 young patients are cared for here every year - children from across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Northamptonshire and in some cases across the UK. The growing demand for our local, regional and national services means we need to equip and expand our PCCU.
Rosie Priddy, PCCU nurse, swimmer and team coach says: "I've worked on PCCU for over 15 years and am excited to be part of the next stage of its growth. I love a challenge - on land or in the water (although this might be the scariest so far) - so I am determined to face jellyfish and other unknown depths to help raise funds for our PCCU."
Michael Carter, Consultant on the PCCU, recalled about his previous effort in 2021: “We started just after midnight to catch the tide out from Dover, cold (11 degrees C), but by sunrise three hours into the adventure, the sea was warming… and then a pair of orcas swam under the support boat - the team on the boat only told me after!”
Every donation made to support these courageous swimmers will directly benefit our paediatric intensive care unit, helping us to buy equipment that is crucial for treating critically ill children.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
DONATE: Every pound raised will go towards growing and equipping our PCCU.
ENCOURAGE: Share this campaign with friends, family, and colleagues and inspire them to give.
FOLLOW THE JOURNEY: Keep up with the swimmers’ progress as they train and prepare for this extraordinary challenge.