NEWS UPDATES: ANDY IS SWIMMING 7AM TOMORROW!! HE RECEIVED THE CONFIRMATION THIS EVENING AND IS READY TO GO!! If you wish to send him a good luck message email: agr.dickson@tinyworld.co.uk and messages will be passed on!

THE BOAT HE IS ON CAN NOW BE TRACKED IF YOU GO ONTO WWW.SHIPAIS.COM AND CLICK ON THE 'DOVER' BOX. HIS BOAT IS SEA SATIN. 

11:51 AM  - ANDY HAS BEEN OUT SINCE JUST AFTER 7AM THIS MORNING (WED, 1OTH SEPTEMBER) AND IS GOING STRONG! HE IS CURRENTLY SWIMMING THROUGH THE FIRST OF THE SHIPPING LANES!

14:36 - ANDY HAS PASSED THROUGH THE FIRST OF THE SHIPPING LANES AND IS CURRENTLY SWIMMING THROUGH THE SEPERATION ZONE!  

16:48 - RADIO NORTHANTS HAS JUST DONE A RADIO INTERVIEW WITH TIM (SUPPORT CREW). STILL GOING STRONG, INTO ANOTHER SHIPPING LANE NOW!

19:53 - STILL GOING STRONG! DARK JUST FALLING NOW CAN SEE THE LIGHT FLASHING! SAME STROKE PATTERN AS AT THE BEGINNING!

21:33 - ANDY'S STILL GOING WELL! HAS HAD TO SPEED UP A BIT BUT PILOT IS HAPPY WITH HIS PROGRESS. JUST TO LET YOU ALL KNOW THERE SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH TRACKING ANDY AFTER 2/3rds OF THE WAY. THE BOAT LOOKS LIKE IT HAS STOPPED BUT IS REALLY STILL GOING AND HAS PROGRESSED FURTHER. MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO NOTIFY YOU WHEN HE HAS FINISHED IN CASE WE ARE ASLEEP! WILL DEFINITELY UPDATE IN THE MORNING THOUGH!!!

20:35 - SORRY ABOUT THE DELAY, WE THOUGHT WE HAD SAVED THE UPDATE OBVIOUSLY NOT), ANDY GOT TO FRANCE AT 01:45 THIS MORNING WITH A TIME OF 18 HOURS 25 MINUTES! HE GOT BACK TO NORTHAMPTON AT 6.00PM THIS EVENING AND THE GRIN HASN'T COME OFF HIS FACE SINCE! I'M SURE WHAT IS KEEPING IT THERE IS NOT JUST THE ACHIEVEMENT BUT THE AMAZING SUPPORT FROM EVERYONE WHO HAS DONATED, OR SENT A MESSAGE, OR JUST FOLLOWED HIM ON SHIPAIS. I'M SURE HE WILL GET ROUND TO THANKING YOU ALL SOON. BUT FOR NOW I'LL SAY IT FOR HIM.

THANK YOU

THANK YOU

AND, THANK YOU AGAIN!

Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.
Why attempt to swim the channel?  On retiring from playing rugby, due to a badly injured knee, I set myself three ambitions - to run the London Marathon, to canoe the Devises to Westminster Canoe race and to swim the Channel.  Having achieved the first two it was not until October 2006 when I retired from Northants Police that I found myself with the time, and energy, to commit to the third.  It is now almost two years since my training began and although I have ahead a really big challenge I feel that I have prepared and trained as well as I am able and am looking forward to a good tide and some favourable weather to help me across, sometime soon after 6th September.

This attempt would not even be possible without the advice, coaching, support, medical repairs and help that I have recieved from so many friends - old and new - and my family!

Some facts-

The shortest route is 21 miles -but you all know my navigating skills!

More people have climbed to the summit of Everest than have swum the channel!

The biggest danger for me is hypothermia.

It should take me between 15 and 20 hours.

I will be wearing only speedos, goggles and a hat.

              Hopefully this page will be updated with swimming news, hot off the press, by my family,

Wish me luck and good weather!  

Please note that this site only allows space for one charity, but prior to giving you should realise that all monies raised will be split evenly between Favell House, Northampton (a respite unit for people suffering from chronic illnesses - predominantly MS and Parkinsons) where I work as a volunteer, and Thomas' fund. Two great causes that need our support.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Thomas's Fund gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor me now!