Students at a Petersfield school are ready to seas the day for their favourite charities as they’re swapping their East Hampshire pool for the English Channel.
A dozen students from Churcher’s College are going great lengths for good causes as they will attempt an English Channel Relay sometime this week.
The fundraisers will be split into two teams for the 21-mile crossing with each student swimming for a mile before passing over the nautical baton.
They’re in good shape ahead of the challenge thanks to a summer of training and cold water swimming off the shores of Bracklesham Bay and Hayling Island.
The group arrived in Dover on Friday (August 30) with Year 13 participant and Petersfield Open Air Pool lifeguard, Isabella Liedtke, eager to dip her toes.
“The English Channel swim training has been such an amazing experience, from learning the ins and outs of sea swimming to raising money for such an important cause,” said Isabella, who is fundraising for Alzheimer’s Research.
“The team I train with has made it so much more enjoyable.”
The group could be swimming by the time you read this as they are waiting for a window to take the plunge at Shakespeare’s Beach next to Dover International Port.
Each swimmer will be shadowed by a support boat on their relay but they are forbidden from touching it during a “formidable test of both physical and mental stamina”.
Their target is the French coast between Cap Gris Nez and Calais, all while avoiding the busy ferry routes. Supporters can track their progress in real-time via the Channel Swimming & Piloting Federation's swim tracking site.
Other recipients include Maddy’s Mark, Asthma & Lung UK, The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust and Max Windle Memorial Trust, to make a donation look for Churcher’s College Swim on www.justgiving.com
With additional reporting by Maddie Gay
