I swam the channel as part of a six person relay last summer 2021 after training through the pandemic exclusively in the sea. It was a special experience, particularly winter training, and one that has deepened my personal bond with the channel.


Not only for the challenge it represents to a swimmer, but also the role it plays in nurturing our local communities bringing people together in their routines and activities that embrace the natural ocean environment in its beauty, hostility, calmness and the regenerative journey it represents.


It was nice to be invited by Nick Waite to join his team in taking on the Medlay challenge. We are seeking to become the first mens team to cross in medlay formation. As the front crawl swimmer my role is to support my teammates taking on the more specialised strokes and hopefully increasing our average speed to the pace required to break through the cross current and land on the beach in France.


Our charity of choice The Alexa Trust, founded by Howard James a multi channel record holder and his wife Esmari James who lost their daughter tragically not long after she was born. As we take each stroke on our journey, we will draw inspiration from all parents who have faced or are facing challenging neo natal and birth experiences.


We welcome any donations however small, and will seek to honour the time you may take to donate with our very best performance on the day and in our training for the event.