Oxford Orcas PCCU Channel Swim
Team Channel Swimmers is raising money for Oxford Hospitals Charity
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The Oxford Orcas PCCU Channel Swim - Fundraising Appeal for Oxford University Hospital's Paediatric Critical Care Unit (PCCU)
Around 1,000 young patients are cared for here every year – children from across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Northamptonshire and in some cases across the UK. The growing demand for our local, regional and national services means we need to equip and expand our PCCU.
To support this, we are excited to announce an incredible fundraising challenge! Six brave swimmers - the Oxford Orcas -will attempt to swim the English Channel relay in Summer 2025. The water will be cold and the distances demanding, but the team have trained over the winter in local pools and lakes. And, with the onset of spring, we now launch the official fundraising campaign.The team was originally due to swim mid July, but poor weather meant they weren't allowed to set off on their challenge. But they hope to have a new slot at the end of August and are determined to keep training and keep fundraising until they get the chance.
Rosie Priddy, PCCU nurse, swimmer and team coach says: " I've worked on PCCU for over 15 years and am excited to be part of the next stage of its growth. I love a challenge - on land or in the water (although this might be the scariest so far) - so i am determined to face jellyfish and other unknown depths to help raise funds for our PCCU."
Michael Carter, Consultant on the PCCU, recalled about his previous effort in 2021: “We started just after midnight to catch the tide out from Dover, cold (11 degrees C), but by sunrise three hours into the adventure, the sea was warming… and then a pair of orcas swam under the support boat - the team on the boat only told me after!”
Every donation made to support these courageous swimmers will directly benefit our paediatric intensive care unit, helping us to buy equipment that is crucial for treating critically ill children.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
DONATE: Every pound raised will go towards growing and equipping our PCCU.
ENCOURAGE: Share this campaign with friends, family, and colleagues and inspire them to give.
FOLLOW THE JOURNEY: Keep up with the swimmers’ progress as they train and prepare for this extraordinary challenge.