Hey there, and thanks so much for stopping by our JustGiving page!

We’re taking on an incredible challenge this August—swimming the English Channel as a relay to raise money for Mind. Our team, the Jitterbugs, is made up of six passionate swimmers who have been training hard since last year. We’ve tackled plenty of sessions at Sea Lanes, but since we live in different parts of the country, we haven’t all been able to swim together just yet.

The team was founded by our amazing coach, Christine, and our name is a tribute to her own Channel swim 20 years ago—a moment worth celebrating!

We’d love to share more about why we’re diving into this adventure. What drives us to take on the waves for such a great cause? Keep reading to find out!

Jessica: "I started sea swimming a few years ago and immediately fell in love with it, but I never imagined I’d be taking on the Channel someday. I grapple with anxiety myself, so this will be as much a mental as a physical challenge, and I’m very happy to be doing it in support of Mind.”

Silvina: "Swimming became my lifeline after my mum’s sudden passing in May 2020. That same month, my friend Rachel invited me into the cold sea—it was exactly what I needed. Just a few months later, Rachel passed away at 34. As I navigated my grief, I met Poppy, a brilliant artist, through a support group she organized. One day, I joked with her about swimming in the Channel, and we laughed. We became close friends, swimming together often. Tragically, in 2023, Poppy was diagnosed with leukaemia and, within four months, she was gone—just 36 years old.

Now, this swim is more than a challenge; it’s a tribute. A way to honour Susy, Rachel and Poppy. A way to give back.”

Phil: "I'm doing it because I needed something to motivate me. After having my knee replaced needed to be something swimming-based. Had maybe thought of doing a solo one day, so thought I'd better do a relay and see how that goes first."

Dan: "I’m swimming the channel to raise money for the amazing charity Cancer Research, whilst also showing people that putting yourself through uncomfortable situations can result in a happier and healthier life 🙌🏻"

Rafe: " I'm doing the swim for Thomas my older cousin and to help people struggling with addiction/ mental health - would say trying to raise awareness and normalise conversations on mental health and addiction."

George: “I’ll be swimming in honour of Charlie Beeching Who was a swimming friend who very sadly took his own life.”

Thanks for donating to our cause, we really appreciate it. We will update you on all our training.

Jessica, Phil, George, Dan, Rafe & Silvina

The Jitterbugs team

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