Marvels swim for mental health

Six valiant open water swimmers are set to cross the busiest shipping lane in the world when they swim the Channel in relay to raise funds for Charlie Waller.

Marika, Alaine, Rebecca, Vicky, Elizabeth (Liz) and Lee (the initials of their names spell ’marvel’), will face jellyfish, unsettled weather, choppy waters and tide changes during the swim which is due to take place between 30th June and 10th July.

The women, who met at the Henley Open Water Swimming Club, have been following a vigorous training schedule including swimming in the Thames.

Rebecca, a music teacher from Peppard, said: “Since deciding to take on the channel swim we’ve had many issues thrown at us including lockdowns, pools being shut and even snow and ice. We’ve carried on training throughout and our friendship and the camaraderie of the group has kept everyone going at what could otherwise have been a difficult time.”

All six women agreed to support the Trust through their epic challenge:

“I think we have all been touched by mental health and depression in one way or another,” Rebecca said.

“Many of us have had friends or family affected by mental health issues and the Charlie Waller Trust is a local charity which does such fantastic work to support the wellbeing of young people that it became the obvious choice.”

six women in Charlie Waller t-shirts smiling, standing on river pontoon

happy women in big coats and woolly hats holding thermos flasks

Clare Stafford, our Chief Executive, said: “We are so grateful to these six brave individuals for taking on such an incredible challenge for Charlie Waller. The training alone, which they have sustained in water temperatures barely above freezing and having to overcome the challenges the pandemic has thrown at them, has been a marathon effort.”