I plan to swim across the North Channel - minimum distance of 34.5km (21.4 miles) from the coast of Northern Ireland (start near Donaghadee on the Ards Peninsula) to the west coast of Scotland (Rhin of Galloway). With the strong currents and tides swim distance can cover 45km. Water temperatures in June should be around 11 to 12C. Also famous for the Lion Manes jellyfish which have a nasty sting. This swim follows on from my English Channel solo on 2021 and Loch Ness solo in 2022. It is an extremely tough swim (no wetsuit!). Since 1947 until 2024, 164 solo swimmers have successfully crossed the North Channel.

I am swimming for the Sussex Cancer Fund and RNLI (see other link) and would like to raise equal amounts for both charities if I can.

Cancer has affected my family and my friends and colleagues with the death of our consultant colleague Jackie this year.

The Sussex Cancer Fund works with the NHS to create new and improved facilities for cancer care in Sussex, including purchasing specialist equipment, providing additional patient services, refurbishment projects and funding cancer research studies. The SCF helped fund my MD research many years ago and continues to support local researchers and patients.

It is likely that every Cancer Patient in Sussex will have benefited from something the Sussex Cancer Fund has provided. #RaisedInSussexStaysInSussex.