Well, what an experience! Technically we knew we'd made it across to France when our mobile phones switched over to the French network. But, we didn't reach the other side of the Channel.
With two members of the team suffering from sea-sickness (big time), and unable to change the swim order (under CSA rules), we turned back after 7 hours of challenging swimming.
Yes, we were disappointed, but nothing can take away the sense of achievement that comes from swimming in the Channel. It's an experience we'll never forget. Swimmers vomiting over the side of the boat, the sensation of jellyfish tentacles running along my arm, the sight of a Russian warship passing by, chairs slipping and sliding along the deck as the boat rolled, and the sense of achievement climbing out of the water after a swim leg are memories that will be with us forever.
What amazed me was how slow we were. Tides, current, wind and waves reduced our normal swim rate by 70%, and we averaged only 0.75mph. If we could have carried on it would have taken us at least 24 hours to reach France, and then we'd have struggled to land because we'd be against the tide.
I'm stiff and sore today. I have jellyfish sting rashes on my arm and on my chest. (Orlaith was stung on the nose!) But, I feel fantastic, and it's been such an incredible journey.
Well done to the team. We've been amazing ambassadors for Rosemead,
And thank you to all of you who have donated, both to the school and to UNHCR,
Finally, I can get on with my life, and I can plan my next challenge ...
Well done team:
Orlaith Richardson
Alex Wood
Andy Dorrett
Lynne Barry
Debbie Louks-MIddleton
Clive Broadbent
Fiona King
Steve Dorrett
Saturday 26 September 2015
Thursday 10 September 2015
Raising funds for UNHCR
Firstly, thanks to everyone for sponsoring our Rosemead Channel Swim Team. We’ve been overwhelmed by everyone's support, and we’ve raised more than £12,000 towards our new school’s sports scholarship scheme.
If you’ve been following our team’s progress, you’ll know that our first swim attempt was cancelled because the sea conditions were too dangerous. But, we have another swim window, and our team are hoping to swim the Channel this coming Saturday!
However, given the recent refugee crisis, we couldn’t possibly ‘touch down’ in Calais without acknowledging the humanitarian emergency that’s unfolding right now across Europe and the Mediterranean.
Whatever your views may be, we feel that children and families everywhere should be safe. More than 300,000 people have risked their lives to cross the Mediterranean Sea so far this year. Over 2,600 didn't survive the dangerous crossing. For this reason, in the final run-up to our swim, we’re seeking donations to support the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Founded 60 years ago to help those forcibly displaced after WWII, UNHCR has assisted tens of millions around the world. The agency protects refugees and resolves refugee problems. In their support of the current crisis, they continue to urge everyone to put human life, rights and dignity first.
Wish us luck with the swim, and help us raise funds for UNHCR by donating via our new justgiving page: UNHCR
If you’ve been following our team’s progress, you’ll know that our first swim attempt was cancelled because the sea conditions were too dangerous. But, we have another swim window, and our team are hoping to swim the Channel this coming Saturday!
However, given the recent refugee crisis, we couldn’t possibly ‘touch down’ in Calais without acknowledging the humanitarian emergency that’s unfolding right now across Europe and the Mediterranean.
Whatever your views may be, we feel that children and families everywhere should be safe. More than 300,000 people have risked their lives to cross the Mediterranean Sea so far this year. Over 2,600 didn't survive the dangerous crossing. For this reason, in the final run-up to our swim, we’re seeking donations to support the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Founded 60 years ago to help those forcibly displaced after WWII, UNHCR has assisted tens of millions around the world. The agency protects refugees and resolves refugee problems. In their support of the current crisis, they continue to urge everyone to put human life, rights and dignity first.
Wish us luck with the swim, and help us raise funds for UNHCR by donating via our new justgiving page: UNHCR
Sunday 6 September 2015
Aching shoulders
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| Alex, Orlaith and Clive at Dover Harbour |
We have less than a week until our rescheduled swim window. My nervous excitement is beginning to build again. I'm trying to be a bit blasé about it all, so I don't get too deflated if our swim is cancelled again. (Some swims were cancelled yesterday, even though it was lovely and calm in the harbour - it was actually warmer in the water than it was standing on the shore!)
Our swim window starts on Saturday 12th September. High tide is at 11.38 (am or pm), so we're likely to being doing another late night drive to Dover.
I've eaten most of the sweets and crisps I'd packed as supplies for the previous swim window (on the grounds that they'd have gone off - honestly), and I couldn't resist opening one of the bottles of Champagne, so I'll be restocking this week.
I'm looking forward to some gentle swims in the Lido whilst I taper towards the big event!
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