Ruby & Zach's English Channel Relay Challenge for Mencap

Imagine diving into cold, open water before sunrise, knowing that every stroke brings you closer to one of the world’s most iconic endurance achievements. This summer, we — Ruby and Zach — will be taking on the English Channel relay swim as part of the Beech Hall School Swimming Team and Mencap Marvels, raising money for Mencap along the way.

For us, this challenge is about much more than swimming. It’s about pushing ourselves beyond what we thought was possible, supporting a charity that makes a real difference, and showing what can happen when young people are given the encouragement and opportunities to thrive.

Why we're doing it

Mencap supports people with learning disabilities and their families every day, helping them access opportunities, independence, support and a voice. We wanted our challenge to have a purpose beyond the water and help raise funds for a cause that means so much.

Swimming has become a huge part of our lives. It has taught us resilience, determination and confidence, and this challenge gives us the chance to put all of those lessons into practice.

Our journey so far

Our English Channel journey began in September when training started with the Beech Hall School Swimming Team. Since then, life has revolved around swimming. Early mornings, late evenings, pool sessions, time trials and open-water training have all become part of our routine.

The training has pushed us physically and mentally. Throughout the winter, we completed numerous open-water swims, including ice-water training sessions between January and March. While most people were staying warm indoors, we were entering freezing lakes and reservoirs, learning how to cope with cold-water exposure and build the endurance needed for one of the world's most iconic swims.

One of our proudest achievements so far was completing our two-hour Channel qualifying swims in Dover Harbour in water temperatures of just 15°C. Swimming continuously for two hours in cold open water took determination, resilience and a lot of mental strength, but it brought us one step closer to our goal.

There have been days when the water felt painfully cold, when motivation was low and when the challenge ahead seemed overwhelming. But we kept turning up, supported by our coaches, teammates, teachers and family — and by each other.

Meet Ruby

Ruby is neurodivergent she has faced challenges along the way, but swimming has helped her discover confidence, friendship and belief in herself.

Following a difficult period in mainstream education, she found a nurturing environment at Beech Hall School where she has flourished. Swimming has become much more than a sport. It helps her manage anxiety, build confidence and prove to herself that her neurodivergence does not define what she can achieve.

Meet Zach

Zach has ADHD and brings incredible determination and commitment to everything he does. The discipline and focus required for Channel training have given him a positive outlet for his energy and drive.

The months of training have tested him in many ways, but he has embraced the challenge and become a valued member of the team. He knows there will be difficult moments ahead, but he is determined to keep going and help the team reach the French coast this summer.

Why this matters

Together, we have encouraged each other through every stage of this journey. We’ve celebrated successes, supported one another through setbacks and learned that extraordinary things can happen when people work together and believe in themselves.

This challenge is about much more than swimming the English Channel. It’s about showing that young people can achieve incredible things when they are given the right support, opportunities and encouragement.

How you can help

Every donation, no matter the size, will mean so much to us.

Your support will help Mencap continue its vital work supporting people with learning disabilities and their families, while also motivating us as we continue training for one of the greatest endurance challenges in the world.

Thank you for supporting us and being part of our journey.

Ruby & Zach 🏊‍♀️🏊‍♂️❤️

“Every stroke takes us closer to France. Every donation helps make a difference.”.