Always on
This project successfully funded on 18th May 2025, you can still support them with a donation.
HAC Channel Crossing Relay for Cancer Research UK
London, England, United Kingdom
Aim
Four teens in a Hackney Anaconda Club relay attempting to cross the Channel in June 2025. All funds raised beyond costs will go towards CRUK
Who are we?
We are 4 competitive swimmers all competing at a national level. Our relay is mixed with two female and two male swimmers. We all train hard and swim up to 16 hours a week each so we are not too worried about the actual swimming side of things. We are all 16 or 17 years old and balance our swimming (and this crossing!) with full time education. Excelling both academically and at swimming we want to go one step further and do something truly extraordinary.
Swimmer biogs:
I am Isla, a national swimmer and A level student studying History, English literature and photography. Competitive swimming has been a huge part of my life for almost 10 years and I have been able to achieve a wide number of accomplishments from competing at the Olympic trials last year and racing at open water nationals to national medals. As a long distance swimmer, tackling the feat of swimming the channel is exhilarating and exciting as well as a great story to tell. I hope that the money we raise will be able to help those affected by cancer and that our swim will inspire others to take on their own challenges and step out of their comfort zones.
I’m Eireann, a year 11 student who will be sitting my GCSE exams just before our attempted channel crossing. I’m a National swimmer and I play netball competitively for my local team. Next year I hope to take Biology, Chemistry and History for my A-levels. I swim because I love training with my friends and this summer I’ve challenged myself with swimming the channel to help raise money for Cancer research. It will be difficult but a fun and exciting experience. I have a friend whose family have been affected by Cancer and I will be doing this for them.
I am Thomas, currently a year 12 student studying physics, maths and geography at A-level as well as a national swimmer. Swimming is the most major part of my life, because of the discipline and commitment I’ve devoted to the sport as well as the friends and experiences it has given me. Swimming the channel will be tackling the ultimate challenge and will give me such an amazing experience, but more importantly being able to raise a lot of money for cancer research. As I have seen firsthand the impact cancer has on individuals and families this is my opportunity to make a real difference. Therefore, through challenging my endurance and mental strength, I will be dedicated to those battling cancer, in hope of doing my best to raise money and to inspire others to fight for a great cause.
I'm Gael. I'm studying maths, economics, and physics at A-level. In my spare time, I enjoy skateboarding and performing with my band. I swim because of the feeling swimming a personal best gives me. I want to challenge myself this summer and swimming the channel seems like the perfect opportunity to push myself outside of my comfort zone.
Marco
I stepped in quite late in the day to join the team. Currently studying social anthropology at SOAS I also work in a fantastic pub (Tapping the Admiral) and play in two bands. Having swum competitively for many years and won four national medals, including national champion in 2019 my focus recently has been more towards my studies. This challenge has given me the motivation to get back to training, make a big difference to cancer research and the opportunity to support my sister Isla.
What are we doing?
Four intrepid teenage swimmers from Hackney Aquatics Club and Anaconda SC are preparing for the greatest challenge of their lives to help Cancer Research UK. The English Channel is considered one of the most difficult open water swims in the world due to its combination of cold water temperatures, unpredictable tides, strong currents, heavy shipping traffic, and often rough weather conditions, making it significantly harder than most other open water swims. The team will need to cover at least 33km and may need to swim much further. Their attempt is booked for late June 2025, in a window from the 19th to the 25th.
This image (from Slowtwitch) shows the fastest and slowest crossings and their approximate routes.
The crossing will be attempted in accordance with the Channel Swimming Association (CSA) who will have an observer on board carefully watching that all the rules are followed. These include not wearing wetsuits (!), not touching the boat or anyone else. Read more about these here: https://www.channelswimmingassociation.com/faq
The pilot will be Andy and James King, with the their vessel, the Louise Jane II that is a catamaran specially adapted for supporting crossings. It offers greater stability so hopefully reduced chances of seasickness for the team and has cameras fitted to both sides for maximum flexibility.
Why are we doing this?
Unfortunately everyone is affected by cancer with more than 1000 new cases every single day in the UK. Thankfully cancer survival rates are improving and have doubled in the last 50 years. Cancer Research UK (CRUK) funds scientists, doctors and nurses to help beat cancer sooner. We are aiming to raise at least £2500 in aid of CRUK through our Channel crossing attempt.
Cancer Research UK (a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666) and the Isle of Man (1103)) (“CRUK”).
The crossing will also challenge us personally. We will learn to face the unknown, deal with our fears and the unexpected. All of these will make us stronger people, better prepared for life.
How can you help?
There are two main ways that we would like everyone to help. Firstly, please make a donation. Anything you can offer is hugely appreciated no matter how large or small. Some of the ways we are fund raising include suggested gifts but don't let that hold you back! We will be sharing our story with all supporters but our biggest supporters will receive exclusive photos, videos and on the day updates so you will know how we are doing. Any gifts over £50 will mean you can join this club (if you want to!).
If you are a UK resident and would be willing to include Gift Aid (essentially 25% additional funds for CRUK), then you can donate directly to our CRUK page here: https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/hac-channel-crossing-for-cancer-research-uk
Secondly, please help us spread the word! We are a small team and will be relying on you and our other supporters to help get more people behind the idea. Can you pass on our story or the link to this website to a group you are in? Could you pop a poster up in your workplace, shop or school? Could you repost some of our pictures? Or could you provide an opportunity for us to take part in an event or gathering - we bake a mean cookie and are always willing to talk about our swimming!
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made