In August 2024 I am embarking on the hardest challenge I have ever set myself, to swim 🏊‍♂️across the English Channel. At 21 miles in it's shortest distance I will be covering much more as I fight against the tides pushing and pulling me in different directions. With water temperatures averaging a chilly 15°C 🥶, unpredictable currents and the potential for challenging weather conditions, this swim is going to be a test of both physical and mental endurance. To put the difficulty into perspective, more people have climbed Mount Everest than have successfully completed the swim across the English Channel!

To swim the Channel is both an exciting and daunting prospect 😰. Swimmers have braved cold waters, powerful tides and the risk of exhaustion to complete this iconic journey. The cold temperatures can lead to hypothermia and navigating the currents, busy shipping lanes and jellyfish-infested waters adds an extra layer of complexity or fun? 👀. Despite the adversities, every year a dedicated group of athletes take on this challenge to test their limits and achieve this remarkable feat of human endurance. I hope to become one of these incredible people to successfully complete this challenge and become a Channel Swimmer.

I have decided to raise money for 3 different charities that are close to my heart, I hope you will be able to resonate with at least one of them. Those charities are Lewis Pugh Foundation, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and Mind. I would like to try and keep all 3 charities equal, however I am also going to be doing some offline fundraising and will try to use the offline funds to even up if a large difference occurs.

I have also got some printed sew on patches seen below for £5, with proceeds going to the charities. If you would like to purchase one please contact me directly to sort delivery / postage, you can do this on my dedicated Instagram page @graham.swims linked below.

Please take a look at my individual fundraising pages below for more information on each of my charities and the reason why I am raising for these them.

I am posting my training and experiences quite actively on my Instagram account here please follow me for regular updates.

🌊Lewis Pugh Foundation Fundraising Page

🐕Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Fundraising Page

🧠Mind Fundraising Page