In June this year I’ll be joining a small team of hardy swimmers as we swim our way across the 21-miles of the English Channel, from Dover to Cap Gris-Nez (south of Calais). This mighty challenge, which will see our relay team braving cold sea temperatures, strong tides and jellyfish (all without wetsuits!) is in aid of a brilliant charity called Hope at Home. They provide safe, temporary homes through volunteer host placements, along with vital support, to survivors of human trafficking and modern slavery, many of whom have been forced to endure the perilous journey across the Channel in small boats.

Through my work within the refugee and migration sector, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside people with lived experience of forced displacement, persecution, and exploitation. Their strength and determination to rebuild their lives is nothing short of extraordinary. With the life-changing support of organisations like Hope at Home, survivors are not only able to overcome their past ordeals—they are empowered to heal and thrive.

Both pool and open water swimming have always been a big part of my life, and I’m excited (and a little terrified!) to embrace this huge challenge. Our relay team of six will take it in turns to swim an hour each, for around 15 hours, until we reach Cap Gris-Nez. By taking part in the relay swim, which will be fully supported and accredited by a Channel Swimming Association pilot boat/observer, I want to raise vital funds for, and stand in solidarity with, Hope at Home and those they support.

Please support our challenge in any way that you can. I’ll post more details here nearer the time, as well as updates via Hope at Home’s and my own Instagram. We’re grateful to Dryrobe, who have generously gifted us all some changing robes to keep us warm during the Channel crossing.

Wish us luck! xx