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

Cancer has affected my family, friends and my colleagues. Dad and my family have a love of boats and the sea. Dad had treatment for cancer in 2023. This is why I am swimming for my 2 charities. I’d like to raise equal amounts for both charities if I can.

See the links on this page to donate

1)RNLI

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

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.

2) 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.