8 pupils attempting to swim the English Channel

Young Swimmers Make Waves for Charity: Relay Team of 8 Children to Swim the English Channel this July 

Eight brave young swimmers, aged 12 and 13, current and ex pupils from Bishopsgate School are preparing to undertake an extraordinary challenge: a relay swim across the English Channel this July. Each team member will swim 45 to 60-minute legs 24 hours a day to cover the entire distance, showcasing not only their incredible stamina and skill but also their dedication to raising money for Lymphoma Out Loud and enhancing local swimming facilities. Any additional money raised over £35000 will all go to our charity. 

Peter Thacker, Headmaster at Bishopsgate School:  "This extraordinary venture exemplifies the spirit of our pupils, their unwavering dedication, and their commitment to making a positive impact to our wider community. I am immensely proud of their courage and community-mindedness as they prepare to conquer the English Channel for such worthy causes.

Daisy O'Donnell, Open Water Swimming captain and current year 8 pupil at Bishopsgate School: "When our Head of Swimming Liam said who is up for swimming the English Channel last summer I immediately said yes, I was so excited and a little bit scared. The training has been really good fun with the team and looking after each other - the hardest bit was the really cold water in February, the scariest bit is swimming at night but it will all be worth it. To be raising money for Lymphoma Out Loud is so important as this will directly help our Bishopsgate friends. 

A Community Effort for a Greater Cause

The primary goal of this remarkable endeavour is to raise funds for Lymphoma Out Loud, a charity dedicated to supporting those affected by lymphoma which has directly touched the Bishopsgate school community with 2 ex pupils, both keen swimmers currently living with Lymphoma.

Lymphoma Out Loud have said: "We're thrilled to learn about your upcoming English Channel swim in July 2024 – what an ambitious and exciting challenge! Supporting your team in this is something we would be delighted to do.  It's truly heartwarming to hear about such enthusiastic support, especially in light of the personal connections to lymphoma within your school community.

Additionally, the team aims to fund essential equipment for the Bishopsgate School swimming pool. As well as for the school pupils, the pool is a vital resource for the local community, offering swimming lessons from baby swimming upwards, hosting high-performance swim clubs, and providing the Englefield Green Cub and Scout groups with free access for swimming and lifeguard badge training.

Intensive Training Regime

The team has been rigorously preparing for this immense challenge. Their training includes lake, sea, cold water, and endurance swims whatever the weather over the past 10 months through ice, rain, wind and sunshine coupled with comprehensive land-based physical and mental training. This holistic approach ensures they are ready to face the demanding conditions of the English Channel.

Support Our Young Swimmers and join the cause

This ambitious relay swim across the English Channel symbolizes determination, community spirit, and the drive to make a difference. Support our young swimmers as they take on this challenge for a noble cause.

Please join the cause by donating to our Crowdfunder. 

All proceeds will go towards Lymphoma Out Loud and the acquisition of timing equipment for the school pool, enhancing its functionality for both school and community use.