A Thousand Thank-you's

Now the swim is over, and my mind and body are getting back to normal (Well, as normal as possible), it’s time to say a few well deserved thank-you’s. If I do miss out anyone, please forgive me, but I’ve had so much support, it’s difficult to list everyone, let alone sing all of your praises.

Firstly, I must thank Ruth my wife, who has acted as support crew, chief paddler, motivator and guider (not to be confused with boss nagger!!). In addition, she has put up with the mood swings, from elation to despair, through the doubts to the hopes. She has put her own life and hobbies second in the pursuit of my goal of swimming the Channel. I believe that she fully deserves to be given as much of her favourite Irish Whiskey as she desires. Thank-you Ruth, the Paddy is on me!!

The rest of my family, though they are probably accustomed to the mad ideas and goals that I have planned over the years, I think the Channel, for them, was one step beyond stupidity. Both Ben and Katy, know however, that once my mind has been made up, then I will do my utmost to fulfil my aim. Their support has been vital in this project, in particular, Ben’s paddling efforts in training, as well as being the best “Maxim Pixie” a Dad could ask for. Brother John, who helped paddle on those long swims in the Mere, (note: I haven’t mentioned the aircraft moment!! Oops), his sense of humour and the often unspoken brotherly bond, means more than mere words. To Mum and Doug, who watched with a mix of concern and encouragement, but never doubting out loud. Oh and to Mum in particular, for dangling my toes in the sea at Prestatyn, before I could even walk!

Freda Streeter and all the team down at Dover. Freda, is the inspiration behind the majority of Channel hopefuls, and I doubt there are any words that I could come up with that describe her contribution, that haven’t been expressed more eloquently before. Without the motivation, enthusiasm, dedication, love and affection of Freda Streeter, I truly believe that many more swimmers would never achieve their goal. She is “The General”, without whom the battle could not be won. Behind her, are the team that keep the Channel swimmers, well, swimming!! Barry and Irene are ever present come rain or shine, with never ending smiles and good humour. Additionally, there are always a multitude of helpers who are too numerous to name but provide a smile, a kind word and a choccy treat, just when you are ready to give up.

SwimTrek. Well you guys are to blame for the whole idea!! If only I hadn’t seen your website, if I hadn’t booked that Greece trip, if I hadn’t chatted to Suzie Dodds, if JCR hadn’t been such a damn fine chap and hadn’t suggested I write to Simon, with the thought of guiding. If Simon hadn’t taken a leap of faith and phoned me up one mid week afternoon and suggested I get myself to Luton Airport, and join JCR on a flight to Croatia. So many ifs, but without your support, encouragement and belief, I wouldn’t of even contemplated the challenge (See, all your fault)!! I’m honoured to know you, work with you and class you as true friends. SwimTrek guides are a special breed of individuals, and I have had the joy of working with quite a few, and I look forward to working with many others in the future. They are all dedicated to swimming, but bring an enthusiasm to all aspects of a SwimTrek holiday, which is inspirational to all of our guests. I have learnt so much from you all, (especially cooking from Lizzie). However, there is one guide who deserves, a special mention from me, and that is Emily Morris, We first met in a rain soaked layby somewhere off a junction of the M6. Despite the weather, she was a little ray of sunshine. She is the sort of person who lifts the spirits, her verve and appetite for life is infectious. Her texts of encouragement throughout my swim and those of support post swim, were heartfelt and much appreciated. I hope I have the chance to work with her again soon – even if she continues to call me Gary!!

Friends new and old. As with my family, many of my oldest friends have come to accept the fact that I can’t grow old with good grace. There are too many to mention, but thanks for the support for both me and Hope House, through your donations. My colleagues at work, have often carried the load when I’ve popped down to the pool for a “quick dip” over an extended lunchtime. I’ll try to pull my weight from now on. New friends, were an unexpected and joyous bonus to my swim, again there are so many of you, that I can’t list you all. The camaraderie, of the SwimTrek training “boot camp” and the Dover weekends, is a feeling that will never leave me. For those of you, who like me, didn’t make it, I know what you are feeling. For those who made it, congratulations, we are all proud of your achievement. For those whose swim is yet to come, the best of luck, give it everything, if you make it great, if you don’t then be able to say that you did everything, you gave everything and be proud that you did your best. I have learnt that there can be no shame in doing your best even if you didn’t reach the ultimate goal. However, I must mention Ady Brown, who stepped up to the plate at the 11th hour and made an excellent and invaluable crew member, his video skills will forever live in Williams family memory!! My apologies to Adele, it isn’t my fault he now has the Channel bug, well perhaps it is!! Special mention also goes to Rob Windsor, as my training buddy, I couldn’t ask for a greater blessing, how many swimmers have been afforded the chance to train with a like minded swimmer who lives virtually next door? His sense of humour, willingness to travel up and down to Dover, even after his own training swims to support me, is beyond the call of duty. I hope I can support you in the same manner when your turn comes.

I have talked about the people who have been directly involved in my particular swim, but mention and thanks must also go to those, who perhaps don’t get the praise or recognition they deserve. The CS&PF, managed by a dedicated team of volunteers, headed by Mike and Angela Oram, their time and effort in organising pilots, observers, swimmers, to ensure that all marry up, is possibly overlooked by many a swimmer. The pilots and their crews, yes they are a business and are paid, but their knowledge is invaluable to the success of any swim. Their enthusiasm and good humour, swim after swim, their dedication to getting the best out of every swimmer, cannot be taken for granted. Many thanks to you all. Lance you are barking!

Well, if you got to this point you are probably bored senseless, if you were involved and I’ve missed you out, again I’m sorry. I’m privileged to know all of you and to be able to have you as friends and family. Without you all, this odyssey would never have even begun, I would have never stood on Shakespeare Beach, and faced the Channel.

Thank-you everyone.

The Swim

Sunday 27th, was a relaxing day down on the beach. I'd been asked to phone the CS&PF office mid afternoon to see how the 2 way swimmer was progressing. He was doing well and so it was unlikely that my swim would be before Tuesday. Rob decided to head home to Shropshire, but promised to turn around if we heard anything new. Ruth, Ben and I decided that attendance at an all you can eat Chinese was called for. Before we settled down for a good feed, I made a final call to the office.... just in case! The 2 way had been pulled and I was now due to swim, be at the Marina office at 0530 ready to load.... action stations we have a go!! We filled our tummies and set off back to the B&B to prepare all the feeds and kit. For the first time in all of the prep I was nervous. I phoned Rob, who promptly set off back on the long road to Dover, (thanks again mate), and Ady who said he would meet us at the Marina office.

With the alarms set for 0415 I headed off to bed, and a restless night thinking about what awaited me over the next 24 hours. We arrived at the marina, where both Rob and Ady were ready to go. With Sea Satin loaded we slipped out of Dover with a number of other boats just as the sun was rising.

As we headed out round towards Shakespeare Beach (the start point) the crew stowed away all the kit and I was briefed by my official observer, Tom. We greased up with vaseline, (no goose grease!!) and I was ready for the day ahead.

The weather was looking good, and I slipped into the water for the few strokes to the beach, the hooter sounded and the swim of my life began.

The water was calm and the 1st hour flew by as I was called to the boat for my first feed. I took a sneaky look back and I could see the white cliffs of Dover back in the distance, I felt I'd come a long way in such a short time, at this rate what could go wrong!! We continued to feed every hour for the first 3 hours and then down to 40 minutes and apart from the occasional call of nature all was going well. During the feed at the 5 hour point I was told that I was well into the North West shipping lane and we were dodging the tankers. At this point I swallowed a large mouthful of seawater and it, along with all my feed, came surging back out to feed the fishes!! Ben managed to capture this event on video (typical), but I won't upload it for all to see. It was agreed at this point I would have a cup of tea at the next feed, very British I know, but it made me feel so much better! We then decided to feed me every 30 minutes.

By now the Channel had become very misty and the sound of the ship's foghorns could be heard all around. The sea started to get choppier and unbeknown to me a storm was heading our way. After 10 hours I was violently ill again, but I caught my first glimpse of France, which gave me renewed energy and I struck out for the finish.

The other thing that I didn't realise was that I was being pushed down the Channel by the tide and was fighting to stay in one place. When the tide changed the wind picked up but I continued to be pushed the wrong way, so for the next 5 hours I went up and down the Channel just a few miles off Cap Griz Nez. At times, I had a clear view of France and my ultimate goal, but the harder I pushed the further away it seemed.

By now it was dark, the rain was lashing down, the thunder and lightning was scary but exciting all at the same time, but the wind was making it tricky to swim without swallowing water. Everytime I had a feed, the waves would wash over me, making it impossible to take the much needed energy. After a particularly difficult feed during which I was pushed from one side of Sea Satin to the other, I was checked by Sean, one of Lance's crew, to see if I was ok. This is the last thing I remember, before waking up on the boat on the way back to Dover!

Apparently I swam on for a further 20 minutes, holding a good stroke rate of 60 strokes per min, before stopping dead in the water. I then did a couple of single arm strokes before stopping again face down in the water, I then tried to breaststroke and collapsed yet again. Lance tried to get me to respond, but by now I was completely limp and unresponsive, so he made the decision to haul me out of the water, thus my Channel swim came to an unsuccessful end.

Post swim thoughts to come later.

Oh So Close

For those of you who may not yet know I swam on Monday 28th July, unfortunately I didn't make it across. After swimming for over 15 hours, the last 5 in wind, rain, thunder and lightning, I was pulled out of the water, just 3 miles off the coast of France. In those last few hours I could see the coast but never got any closer as I swam against the elements. I'm disapointed, but I know I gave everything, and that is all I could do.

I will post more details, photo's and video as soon as I can.

Thankyou to everyone who has been involved in this adventure, and who have followed my dream. You know who you are..... thanks again.

The Long Wait!!

The weather is improving and the first swimmers got away this morning. I have a 2 way booked ahead of me so I may be delayed until monday or even tuesday. The weather forecast for monday is very good so please keep your fingers crossed.

Had a small panic last night, as Rob my support swimmer has possibly been moved forward for his own swim. Luckily, Ady Brown, a fellow SwimTrekker has kindly offered to take up the role, thanks Ady, you may regret it after a few hours on the boat!!!

I will ring the CS&PF office tonight at 7pm for the latest info, but the library is shut tomorrow so I can't update until monday (assuming I don't swim)!!

I did a 2 hour swim in Dover harbour this morning, and I felt great. I'm ready as I ever will be, and just want to go!!

Arrived in Dover

We have arrived in Dover with all the kit ready to swim. We are sat in warm sunshine, but with high winds, this means that I will not be setting off until at least monday. On the plus side I can get a few short swims in over the weekend in the harbour. There is also a possibility that I may swim with a different support boat piloted by Lance's Dad Mike. His boat is the Gallivant, so any of you who wish to follow me across you may have to look out for this boat rather than Sea Satin. Once I have confirmation of which I will try and post a new entry on this blog. I'm currently logged on at Dover library, so it all depends on the place being open.

Anyway, just off for a dip, more later.

Quick Dip in Criccieth

The tapering down for the big swim has gone well. I had a swim at Criccieth off the coast of North Wales at the weekend. The Conditions were a little rough, more so for Ruth as safety cover than me. I've been busy getting all the kit I will need for the big one ready this week. I didn't think you would need so much stuff, over and above the hat and goggles, but we now have 3 large boxes of equipment including flasks, Maxim, warm clothes etc. The weather forecast is starting to look better as the week goes on, so let's keep our fingers crossed. We travel down to Dover on Thursday and will be ready to go as soon as we arrive. All we need is the nod from Lance, and France, here we come!!

Follow My Progress Via AIS

Lance Oram, my boat pilot has a system on board his boat (Sea Satin) which allows anyone who has internet access to track the position of the boat, and hence the swimmer he is supporting. This system is known as AIS and can be accessed via the following link:

http://www.shipais.com/currentmap.php?refresh=2&count=3&map=folkstone

For anyone who is interested, we will post when I start my swim and you will be able to follow my progress to France, you can set the map to refresh at set intervals to see the progress. If Sea Satin does not appear on the plot then go to the search tab and type in Sea Satin and it will find the boat. It also gives a better idea of the traffic in the Channel.

Andy

Channel Traffic

For anyone who's interested, the picture below was placed on the Channel Swimmers Forum yesterday, and gives an indication of all the shipping I'll have to dodge on my swim!!

Make or Break Weekend

Having been zapped with ultra-sound everyday, I was ready to test out the injured shoulder, if all went well, I hoped to do 7 hours on Saturday, followed by 6 hours on Sunday. We arrived at Dover and Freda suggests I do a 5 hour swim, oh joy thinks I, she is trying to protect my shoulder (Bless). Rob and I enter the water together and I manage to stay with him, no pain yet. As I swim I think that no way would Freda just propose 5 hours, and sure enough, at the first feed stop I'm told I'm going well and should now do 6 hours. It is very hard to mentally adjust in the cold, but I suspected this may be done, (Total Body Confusion) and was prepared to swim for 6 hours. What I wasn't ready for was at the next feed, I was told that 7 hours would be a good target for the day. Now whilst I had wanted to do 7 at the start of the day, being told 5 then 6 really challenged my mind, and it took a fair amount of control not to tell everyone where they could shove the suggestion!! I plugged on, counting down the hourly feeds, until I had just an hour to finish. What I didn't realise at the time was I was the only swimmer on a 7 hour effort and Freda had stopped to ensure I was out safe, even though she wasn't feeling too well, so thank-you Freda. On the last leg of the swim back to the beach, a truely bizzare event occurred, when I was stopped by the Police... in a huge RIB. Now I would like to think I was pulled over for speeding but they only wanted to warn me about the sailing dinghies in the water, luckily I was on my way out.

Sunday was a 6 hour swim with no mind games! However, the weather did it's best to stop us from swimming. We had an hour of sun, but things went from bad to worse as the day went on. By the end it was better to be in the water than on the beach as the photo's show:

Photo's courtesy of Emma French

Despite the conditions, a few brave souls completed the full 6 hours, under Fredas ever watching eyes. I have completed my final hurdle before I'm let loose in the Channel, swimming a 7 then a 6 hour is thought of a a "split Channel swim" and is a fair indicator of whether you can in fact swim to France. So, it's time to taper down the training and await the call up!!

Thanks to all at Dover who supported not only me, but all the other swimmers, we can't do it without you.

Andy

Dover Weekend 28th 29th June

Having recovered from my fright last time in Dover, I had taken a rest, and a bucket full of antibiotics!! The only swim completed was a 90 min effort off the coast of North Wales (Criccieth), this was in very rough conditions and I was forced out of the water due to the conditions.

The rest hovever, had done me the world of good, and I entered the water at Dover on Saturday morning feeling confident that I could complete the swim suggested by the lovely Freda, a 7 hour effort. The swim was totally uneventful and I fed well on each hour feeling great and well able to do more. I admit I was tired and a little sore but that's to be expected. I came out of the water after the 7 hours with renewed confidence in myself, and was grateful to all those who had faith in me, thankyou all.

Hovever, things did not stay as rosey as this, overnight my left shoulder became very stiff and painful, and even after a brufen fix the pain barely subsided. I managed to swim for 3 hours on Sunday before deciding that it may be best to "live to fight another day", thus rest the shoulder. I felt awful explaining to Freda my decision to quit, but I know I did the right thing. Meanwhile out on the beach there was a small reunion of some of the SwimTrek Malta swimmers as you can see:

Photo courtesy of Nicola Millichip.

Subsequently, I've been to see a sports injury specialist, who diagnosed, yes you guessed it, Rotator Cuff damage!! I'm now on prescribed anti-inflammatories and daily ultra-sound!! But I hope to be back in the harbour this Saturday coming, but time will tell!!

Champion of Champions Weekend

We set off for Dover early Saturday morning (03:00) and arrived in plenty of time to register and gossip with fellow swimmers and the "General". The Champion of Champions consists of 3 races in one day, starting with a 5 miler, followed by a 3 mile effort and finishing with a 1 mile sprint at the end of the day.

We all happily entered the water for the first race and spirits were high. Ali Streeter started us off and I immediately found myself near the back!! I set off at a steady pace telling myself that I shouldn't go off too fast, this ploy worked and I started catching swimmers after 2 miles. I then wondered how soon the leaders would catch me, hoping that I could reach the finish before I was lapped, this was not to be as 2 swimmers flew past me before I'd finished my 3rd mile!! I continued my own race with 2 others, coming in 2nd in our mini race in a race. My time of 2 hrs 13 min was better than I had expected, but poor in respect of the winning time of 1 hr 35 min.

After a good rest it was back in for race 2 over 3 miles, I decided to "race" this one and had a great battle with 3 other swimmers for the majority of the race. Once again I managed a sprint finish to come in 2nd in our little group. I was disapointed with my official time of 1 hr 21 min (Ruth clocked it as 1 hr 18 min), but I enjoyed the race.

There seemed to be a big delay before race 3 got underway and there wasn't quite the enthusiasm for the final sprint, the numbers were also down on the original starting field. I simply went as fast as I could and managed to stay with a big group for the 1st half mile but then had to slow, finally managing to come in under 26 min (just!).

All in all a good day with a provisional 25th place, out over about 66 starters, not bad for a hairy old git.

Sunday saw my back in the harbour for a 6 hour swim courtesy of Freda. All was going well at the 1st 2 hour feed, but coming in for the 3 hour I was feeling cold and was dropping back from Rob. I remember approaching the beach, but the next thing I remember was sitting on the beach staring at Freda, completely covered in towels from everybody on the beach!! Apparently Barry caught me and dragged me out of the water and Freda broke the 30m beach dash!! Thankyou to both and all the others down on the beach last weekend.

Birthday Weekend Swims

Last weekend was a good time for swim progress. Friday I was in Colemere with Ruth at the canoe helm, 5 circuits of the Mere and 2 hrs 15 min later, I was back out feeling warm, but with a very sore right shoulder, a little worrying to say the least.

After a soak and a massage on the shoulder, it felt a lot better, so Saturday saw me in Ellesmere for a 5 hour effort. Today Ben and John were duty paddlers and feeders. We started in sunny conditions, but it clouded over as the day progressed. Brother John was amazed at how the crowds gathered to watch the "Mad Bloke" swimming with the ducks and geese. He said he'd never had his photo taken so many times in one day! The shoulder held up and actually felt better towards the end of the swim, good news indeed.

Sunday we were up at lake Bala in North Wales for the Middle distance triathlon. For the first time in 5 years I was not racing and I felt a little left out, but it was good to gossip. I did a quick lap of the swim course for the triathletes, without a wetsuit of course, just to show off... a little! The race organisers claimed it was 17.4C in the lake, I would say it was a tid cooler than that (I've never known Bala to go above 16C in all the years I've swam in it!!). I was told later how the water temp was taken, but I won't divulge the details here!!

The weekend was a good end to a good week of training, with 35000m in the bank. I will be easing off during the coming week, ready for the Champion of Champions event in Dover next Saturday. More on that later.

Four Hour Swim - Saturday 31 May

Last Saturday saw me back in Ellesmere for a 4 hour swim. The aim being to extend the endurance and practice various feed ideas. The sun was out and a very pleasant water temperature (16.5C) made for a really enjoyable swim. Feeding worked well with Ruth lobbing a 500ml bottle of warm Maxim at me. The Maxim was flavoured with forest fruits squash, and I fed after 2 hours and again at 3 hours. The feeds also gave her a well earned break from paddling around as safety cover.

Next weekend will be a 5 hour effort, following the same pattern for feeding though I'm going to try 3 scoops of Maxim per 500ml - should be turbocharged if I hold it down!!

Ruth is going to share the safety cover this week with my brother, John, who had a practice last night in Colemere, as Rob and I did 3 laps of the lake. He only paddled over me once whilst he watch an aeroplane practicing aerobatics!! I feel safe really.

I have kick started my bid to raise money for Hope House, and a big thank you to all of you who have given so generously already. If anyone wishes to help this charity, I have included the link below, and you can read all about Hope House on one of my earlier posts.

http://www.justgiving.com/andychannelswim

Swimming in Colemere

Last night saw Rob Windsor and I back in Colemere for the first time this year. Having been restricted to swimming in Ellesmere all of this season, (awaiting aceptance of the Colemere risk assessment), it was good to be back in my favourite local lake.

The water seemed much colder than Dover, and this feeling did not change during our 2 lap curcuit of the lake, I suspect it was down around 12C. We both agreed to call it a day after an hour and retire to Rob's house for supper. Since I'm not down in Dover this weekend, the thought of a long swim in this temp water on Saturday, does not inspire, but it must be done.

Hope House Childrens Hospices

It takes over £3,000,000 to keep The Hope House Hospices open each year. That's around £8500 per day, or about £360 per hour, which is £6 per minute.

By swimming the English Channel as a solo swimmer in late July 2008 I hope to raise enough money in donations to keep Hope House running for a day, but a week would be even better!
It's a big request I know, but if you know anything about the work that Hope House does, you will be more than happy to help. If you have not heard of Hope House then please visit their web site, http://www.hopehouse.org.uk/, for more information.

Please help to keep Hope House open for a few more minutes, by donating what you can, and I'll attempt to swim upto 30 miles in just my speedo's, hat and goggles. All in water that might only reach 16C (60F) in July, whilst avoiding all the scary things that lurk in the Channel.

Donating through http://www.justgiving.com/andychannelswim is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Hope House Children's Hospices will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you. So please sponsor me by clicking on the button. Many thanks for your support.

Best wishes

Andy

2nd May Bank Holiday Weekend

Following a successful 1st Bank Holiday weekend at the start of the month, it was up at 3 am on Saturday morning and off on the 5 hour drive to Dover. The forecast isn't good but, "it's all good training"!!

We arrive in full sunshine, but the water is quite choppy, I'm hoping "The General" will give me a 3 hour swim. After paying homage to Freda, I meet up with all my new friends and fellow swimmers to gossip about life, well swimming! Freda calls us all together and says that we will be doing 5 lengths of the harbour, except for the privileged few, who get to do 8!! As she called out some names I tried to hide as best I could, but she caught my eye and suggested that I would do the longer swim. Quietly I was pleased, because that should take the 3 hours I hoped to do.

I enter the water with all the others and the water feels cold but bearable, (the early season Ellesmere swims are paying off). The choppy water is definitely noticeable one way as opposed to the other, but I try my best to relax and keep a steady rhythm, occasionally I see another swimmer and feel the sun on my back, I'm swimming well.

After 2 hours I head back to the beach for my Maxim feed, I feed as quick as I can and back into the water, but the feed doesn't sit well and as I take a mouthful of sea water it re-appears!! I finish the swim feeling sick with the nasty acid taste in my mouth, but 2 hours and 52 mins for the whole swim, overall a good start.

After a warm and something to eat, Ruth and I retire to our B&B for a well earned soak and a nap, ready for Sunday.

I look out of the window, it's 6 am and it's raining! Deep joy. Back under the duvet for an hour and pray for sunshine. There is a God, the sun is out and there is no wind. We arrive at the beach to see flat calm water, Freda tells us to do the same swim as yesterday. I intend to swim steadier today and work on stroke and relaxation, and hold down the maxim. It all goes to plan and I exit the water just short of 3 hours, feeling strong and able to do more, though my neck is chaffed and sore.

Oh Monday, I've used all my favours with that weather God. The wind is howling and the rain is horizontal. Even Freda looks dubious about swimming, and the 30-40 swimmers on the beach has dwindled to about a dozen hard or daft nutters who clearly have no home to go to!! Freda then suggests that we all swim to the East Dock Wall and back, twice! About an hour she says. Of we go, it's a fight just to get into the water as the waves batter us on the beach. I couldn't stop taking in water as I headed out to the wall, but I managed to control the urge to turn back as everyone else seemed ok. I soon discovered breathing to the left limited the intake of water and progress could be made, I was even starting to enjoy the experience of being thrown about. The swim back from the wall was great, body surfing all the way, and even the 2nd lap back was ok.

All in all, a successful weekend, with 2 x 3 hour swims and a rough 1 hour swim.