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Rory's Challenges.

After successfully completing the English Channel with the Beech Hall School Mencap Marvels Relay team, Rory is at it again!

First, he is looking to repeat the feat. A new relay team of children, aged 13-15, plan to swim the channel again this July. Wetsuits are not allowed, so Rory has continued his training regime of cold water swimming and making friends with jellyfish over the winter. Swimming the channel previously is no guarantee of success. Although the team is well prepared, its a tough challenge that will require them to dig deep and hope everything goes right on the day.

Rory is also looking to knock off another of the open water swimming "Triple Crown Events". In October, Rory and 2 team-mates are taking on the 20 Bridges Challenge in New York. The challenge is a 28.5-mile swim around Manhattan Island. The relay team will take the same format as the English Channel. Wetsuits are not allowed. Each relay leg is for one hour and once the order is decided cannot be changed. On average each swimmer will need to complete 9.5 miles to complete the challenge. Although probably not as cold as the channel, the water temperature will not be warm, probably somewhere around 16 degrees.

Phil's Challenge

Although I'm no stranger to Strava, my preference is for cycling and running rather than swimming. A fair weather cyclist, I train a lot indoors especially during the winter months. Simply put, I don't like being cold and I get cold easily.

...But kids always get you! Rory's chosen sport is swimming, not only that, open water (less than warm) swimming - I seem to have been dragged along and wetsuits aren't invited.

Back in January, I was invited to join the Mencap Marvels "Senior Team" of 3, taking part in the 20 Bridges Challenge. I quickly agreed.

Since agreeing, I've been trying to adapt to lower water temperature and advance my swimming technique, speed and endurance. The last few months have been spent worrying about swim sessions, shivering uncontrollably and with permanently aching shoulders (which I'm advised is a sign of poor technique) Why couldn't Rory have chosen running?

Despite this, it's been a lot of fun training with the juniors in pools, lakes and the sea and I'm looking forward to the 20 Bridges Challenge. I've also witnessed just how hard qualifying for the Channel relay team is; the children have to be incredibly tough, show great commitment and are truly inspiring.

For the 20 Bridges, the senior and junior boats depart at the same time, turning the challenge into a race. Rory swims at least 20% faster than me so I'm hoping my teammates, Beech Hall School's headmaster and another parent, can do better!

Mencap Marvels.

The Mencap Marvels began in 2019 when Nikki Pope achieved a solo swim of the English Channel.

Since then, 7 relay teams from Beech Hall School have successfully crossed the Channel raising £85,000 for Mencap in the process. The target for this year is to get to £100,000.

Everyone involved with the Beech Hall School, the Marvels and Mencap really appreciates your donation. Thank you!