On the Aspire Channel Relay assessment day last year we were lucky enough to meet an incredible lady who has benefitted from this amazing charity. It just proved, first hand, how important the Charity is to help those whose lives have been turned upside down.

Following our successful swim for Aspire in 2023 from Sealand to Felixstowe, my sister and I decided to take on the Channel in a relay team. Each team member must raise a minimum of £1750 (I'd like to aim for £2k!) for the charity, any equipment or accommodation expenses are paid for personally. We are a team of 6 who hope to make our way from Dover to France on 29th August (weather and tide permitting.. there's a week window for each team!). Each team member must swim an hour each in rotation until we complete the 22 miles. We're to expect to swim 3 or 4 rotations, potentially start at 2am (yuck) and there is much talk about jellyfish, the elements dictate.

As well as regular training to gain the fitness and strength for this challenge I will need to attend 3 training weekends in Dover, the first being in May which will be very uncomfortable and chilly! Channel rules dictate swimsuit, goggles, hat and earplugs only, no neoprene! So, a pretty big challenge for 2025 but a positive mindset and preparation is key.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and for your donation, this will quite honestly be spurring me on during training, on those cold swim day and of course on the big day itself.