Getting back into swimming after around 15 years away was a challenge in itself - those first sessions back around 8 years ago were painful and cramp filled! The aim was simply to get a bit fitter but the love for the water came straight back and instead I found myself enjoying the training and competitions like I hadn't been away.  

I then got tempted by our captain to try OW swimming and completed several wetsuit events around the country before trying non wetsuit. We then started thinking about the Channel. Around 60 miles distance, jellyfish & cargo ships to avoid in water that is around 14 degrees..........the team are a group of great friends who still swim competitively wanting to challenge ourselves and raise money for a great cause along the way - Macmillan Cancer Support .  The team is:

Paul Bates (the captain) , Claire Thorn, Charlie Wheadon, Stuart Fuller, Rob Small... and of course, me . 

We started our journey to our Double Channel Relay on  27th July 2016 with a series of swimming challenges over the last 18months including; The Seahorse 3.8km race, 2Swim4life - 24 miles in 24 hours, Chillswim 5.25 Miles of Lake Coniston and various sea swim training alongside lake and pool sessions.

We aim through training, tenacity, planning and teamwork to successfully complete this challenge and raise as much money for macmillan as possible so please donate if you are able.