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.

My tide to swim in June 2025 starts in the National Water Safety awareness week and the RNLI FLOAT to live campaign.

My Dad and family have a love of boats and the sea and Dad had treatment for cancer in 2023. This is why I am swimming for my 2 charities

Too many people are still drowning. More than ever we need the RNLI’s help. As a charity, the RNLI depends on our donations so it can go on saving lives and keeping us and our loved ones safe.

RNLI lifesavers are our lifeline. They’re the lifeboat crews who provide 24-hour search and rescue right around the UK and Ireland. The lifeguards keeping watch on 240 of the busiest beaches in the UK and Channel Islands. And the RNLI safety teams and educators working tirelessly to stop people getting into trouble in the first place.

Thank you.