A year ago when Claire told us she wanted to swim the Channel to raise money for both Nema and an MS charity; we were absolutely elated. However, as she described just what it entailed;
hypothermia, sewage, jellyfish, unforgiving tides and in the busiest shipping lane in the world…
our emotions soon changed to fear and then complete awe.
I was truly honoured to be on Claire’s support boat while she swan the Channel. As she stood on the beach at 2am under the cliffs of Dover, looking absolutely petrified, the enormity of the task struck us like a blow to the stomach. Claire swam non-stop for 16hours 5 minutes, stopping only for seconds to drink a disgusting, calorie filled concoction hanging from the end of a pole.
The white cliffs just wouldn’t go away and the French coast seemed to be within touching distance for a good 4 hours as the tide swept Claire parallel to the coast.
Physically, Claire’s preparation was staggering, however, the most impressive part of the swim was her mental strength and courage to keep going with her consistent 52 strokes a minute for all that time. Watching her swim knowing that ever stroke taking her towards France was raising funds for Nema made my eyes well up on several occasions. Then, seeing her rise out of the water on the beach in France, and then RUN out of the water was just magnificent. Witnessing Claire achieve this phenomenal task was an absolute privilege and inspiration.
I am sure you all agree, Claire’s achievement is staggering and thoroughly deserves everyone’s support. Please do dig deep and show your support for Claire as well as bring hope to disadvantaged children in Mozambique.
Please follow http://www.globalangels.org/fundraiser/NemaFoundation/ to make a donation and to see more photos.
