Always on
This project successfully funded on 22nd October 2025, you can still support them with a donation.
Triple Crown - Catalina Channel
Henley-on-Thames, England, United Kingdom
Aim
on 16th September I'm taking on the Catalina Channel, California — a 20.5-mile swim through cold, dark, and unpredictable waters.
hello!
On 17th September I became a triple crown marathon swimmer 👑👑👑 I completed Catalina Channel in 14hr 9mi s (not yet ratified)
The toughest swim of my life 10 hours out of the 14 I was coping with severe seasickness all through the night that never seemed to end. Smothered in jellyfish stings & a damaged rotator cuff. But clambering up the pebble beach on Catalina Island was a huge relief, which hasn’t really sunk in yet.
I’d like to thank each and every one of you for your very kind donations, the thought of your support & the drive to protect & restore our River Thames kept me turning my arms over.
until next time, there will be a next time! Laura & the River Thames
On 16/17th September I’ll be taking on the Catalina Channel — a 20.5-mile swim through cold, dark, and unpredictable waters between Santa Catalina Island to mainland L.A — the final leg I need to complete the prestigious Triple Crown of open water swimming.
While this is a huge personal milestone, it’s about far more than my own challenge. Every stroke will be in support of Friends of the Thames, raising vital funds to protect and restore our river from source to sea.
The grit and determination it takes to cross the Catalina mirrors the fight we face against pollution and environmental neglect — relentless, urgent, and worth every ounce of effort.
By backing this swim, you’re not just helping me get to the other side — you’re helping safeguard the lifeblood of our communities for generations to come.
Triple Crown:
- English Channel - completed 2023 - 15 hours 23 mins
- Circumnavigation of Manhattan Island - completed 2024 - 9 hours 15 mins
- Catalina Channel
You can follow my swim on WhatsApp and join the group here. Make sure you silence the chat, and it will only be open to comments when the swim begins. Messages will be relayed to me when swimming through my kayaker & my fabulous support crew Lee & Richard Saudan.
There will be a tracker to follow, which I will post when I have the details & will be pinned to the top of the WhatsApp group.
With huge thanks to my sponsors:
Sustain Insurance Brokers
Dryrobe
SurfEars
GLL Sport Foundation
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made