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