Swimming the English Channel
This August, Julie Ryan, our very own National Press Officer and Operational member is attempting to swim the Channel in order to raise awareness and funds for the team.
Julie (40 something!) who only learnt to swim 15 years ago and does not particularly enjoy salt water, intends to swim the distance in between 12 and 16 hours depending on tides.
Follow Julie’s Training
Julie’s blogging her training and you can follow her progress here.
Sponsor Julie’s Attempt!
Visit Julie’s Justgiving page to make a donation or contact Julie at the Press Office.
Press Office +44 (0) 7786 881908
Email press@intrescue.org
Download a Poster, a Sponsorship Proposal or Sponsorship Form
In the stroke of history
On 12 August 1875 Captain Mathew Webb made the first recorded cross-Channel swimming attempt, but strong winds and poor sea conditions forced him to abandon the swim.
But, on 24 August 1875 he began a second swim by diving in from the Admiralty Pier at Dover. Backed by three chase boats and smeared in porpoise oil, he set off into the ebb tide at a steady breaststroke. Despite stings from jellyfish and strong currents off Cap Gris Nez which prevented him reaching the shore for five hours, finally, after 21 hours and 45 minutes, he landed near Calais—the first successful cross-channel swim. His zig-zag course across the Channel was over 39 miles (64 km) long.
Sponsors & helpers
Open / sea water coach
Dr Julie Bradshaw, www.getset4success.co.uk
Julie is helping me in swimming training to prepare myself for the physical and mental onslaught that the channel offers!
She currently holds the world records for swimming the channel ‘butterfly’, she is the secretary for the Channel Swimming Association and has a MBE – look at her website for further information.
Personal trainer
Laura Cooke, 07983 718783
Laura is a personal trainer and is helping to strengthen the muscles needed to swim the channel.
Download more information on Laura
Nutrition
Forever Aloe Vera - Sheena McCabe
Did you know you can drink Aloe Vera Gel? Well Julie does. To maintain healthy joints Julie drinks a glass of Forever Freedom Gel every morning.
Julie said “When Sheena explained the benefits to drinking the Freedom Gel I was certainly interested and wondered whether it would help in my swim training. I have only just started taking the drink and am already seeing some results – my recent wrist injury is healing fast and I am beginning to train for longer periods of time without feeling drained.”
Forever Freedom is a unique formula created with joint health in mind. Containing Aloe Vera Gel, Chondroitin Sulfate, Glucosamine Sulfate and MSM, along with added Vitamin C provides an all round drink which complements your immune system and maintains healthy joints allowing you to maintain an active life style.
If you would like more information on the power of Aloe Vera please contact Sheena McCabe from Plan B at contact@gemanagement.co.uk
Training venues
a. Fitness First have kindly donated the free use of the gym in York until my swim in August – For further information on Fitness First look at their website - www.fitnessfirst.co.uk
b. I am doing the majority of indoor swimming training at Roko, York – for further information about Roko look at their website - http://www.myroko.co.uk
c. I am doing outdoor cold water acclimatisation training in Allerthorpe Lakeland Park, Pocklington – For further information about Allerthorpe Lakeland Park look at their website - http://www.allerthorpelakelandpark.co.uk/
Photography
All promotional photography has been shot by Dean Walters-Holliday, dean@redjesterstudios.com
www.redjester.co.uk
Sports Massage Therapy
James McHugh, Holistic Touch, 34, Clarence Street, York YO31 7EW 01904 677077, 07952 885890, www.holistictouchyork.co.uk
James is helping me to increase my flexibility and range of motion not only in my shoulders but in my lower back and legs too. A recent lower back injury has been treated by James and I am having regular back, neck and shoulder massages leading up to my swim to keep me supple and injury free.