Sarah's swim for Oxford Hospitals Charity
Sarah Vaccari is raising money for Oxford Hospitals Charity
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In a moment of utter madness I have signed up join a cross Channel relay swim this July.
Full disclosure - I’m not yet sure I’ll pass all the requirements to take part, but will do my absolute best. (APRIL EDIT - I have! I’ve passed the medical and the two hour qualifier!!)
There’s a team of us doing this for the Paediatric Critical Care in the John Radcliffe Hospital - most of the other swimmers work in the unit doing incredible, and at times heartbreaking, work.
I’m motivated by these amazing people, providing delicate round the clock care to the most poorly of children and also the inspirational families I meet through our charity, whose children have spent time here.
We briefly experienced this ourselves when Rosa was hooked up to the life support machines following her heart surgery when she was two - I’ve never forgotten that time.
She’s 18 now, and a beautiful dancer. I’m 53, overweight and unfit - so in need of a challenge to motivate me, but also to say thank you for the care our family, and so many others have had.
If you can sponsor me, your donations will help us fund the most specialist medical kit to help these teams go even more - they will also motivate me to keep training in an attempt to complete this mad challenge.
The swim attempt will take place in July - weather allowing - following all the rules of the Channel Swim Association
More info below…
The 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 will be participating in an English Channel relay in July 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.
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 equipement that is cruicial 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.