42 mile swim

Location: Devon
Biography: Swimming Teacher, Coach and Lifeguard (Crediton Leisure Centre, Exeter City Swimming Club, and Exeter Tri Club), and Masters Swimmer with Crediton Swimming Club. Reason for taking on this challenge: Coz I had no better offers! No, seriously, to swim the Channel is a fantastic achievement, and I jumped at the chance to be involved. Maybe next time I'll swim a relay myself, anyone want to join me?! :) Please give generously to our chosen charity, Marie Carie Cancer Care. My Mum died of cancer on 19 July this year, and it would mean a lot to be able to help cancer charities like Marie Curie. Thank you.

Age: 32
Location: Surrey
Biography: SWIMMING EXPIRIENCE: 5 meter badge aged 8 and a couple of triathlons where I've employed the Stuart stroke which involves part doggy paddle part splashing! REASON FOR DOING THE SWIM: Actually still looking for a way out, apparently there are some sharp metal objects on the beach at Dover! Seriously though I have always liked a physical challenge and this certainly meets the criteria. If we complete it it will be an incredible achievement especially as swimming hasn't ever been one of my strong points. BIGGEST FEAR : An encounter with a poo fish LASTING MEMORY: Hopefully the swim itself and when we complete it!! However I won't in a hurry forget swimming into someone whilst training in the sea in Budleigh and thinking it was the Cornwall great white shark attacking me.. of course I bravely fought it off and live to tell the tale...

Age: 36
Location: Surrey
Biography: When I swim in the ocean I love to swim to the furthest buoy I can see or around the headland to the next beach. I have competed successfully in rowing, triathlon and mountain biking but this is what I enjoy, just doing some something for the sake of it.

Age: 38
Location: Hampshire
Biography: I was a club swimmer in my youth (Chalfont Otters) and still enjoy gettng in the pool to thrash out a few lengths. I have always wanted to swim the channel but I've not had the confidence to try a solo swim, so I jumped at the chance when a team swim was suggested. The last year has been tough at times - fitting in training around family and work, but the feeling of completing a good swim in the sea makes it all worth while. To be doing this for such a good charity is really a bonus.

Age: 46
Location: Surrey Hampshire border
Biography: I’m often asked how I got into this; well it’s a simple case of opening my mouth before getting all the details! LOL. A few weeks after starting in my new job I walked up to a group of colleagues, who whilst talking about a swim for charity, mentioned they were looking for volunteers. I, who have always been a keen swimmer and looking for something new, said yes on the spot! Then… I got the details! The Channel!! Well I coasted with the conversation for a few minutes as it sank in, and then thought, ‘Well ok, lets give it a go’!       That was the start of it, Phil (the colleague looking for volunteers) sounded out a few more and we had a team! I have really enjoyed this so far, even the bad days have given me something, but the experience of real open water, long distance swimming, has really got me hooked! I still can’t believe it though, whilst keen on swimming I was almost allergic to cold water as a child, and I think a few who know me can’t believe it either! LOL. So please, if you haven’t already, please donate something, even if only to stabilise my sanity. :-) Thanks Alan.

Location: Devon

Location: Sussex

Location: Devon
Biography: I got involved by sea swimming in wetsuits at Budleigh during the winter with Jamie to support him in his early training. It's been a real challenge without my wetsuit but it has got to be done in case the team need a reserve. Everyone's training is going well under Karen's guidance so hopefully I will be cheering the team there and back in this excellent challenge, raising money for Marie Curie cancer care.