Supporters

Howard "rowed" the Channel in style!

Ali’s Uncle, Howard Dawson has succeeded in his own “Channel Challenge” to support her fundraising effort.

"The last hour was tougher than I expected and I felt I was willed on by Caroline to achieve a sub 2:40 time, which I just managed."

"I am in absolute awe of Ali for taking on the challenge of swimming the channel. To be out there in those conditions for around 15 hours when every part of your body says “give up” takes a determination that few people can command. Best of luck and lots of love Ali for next week.”

Howard took on the challenge of rowing the distance across the Channel because he didn't want to ask friends and colleagues to support Ali without making a bit of effort himself.

“When I heard that Ali was planning to swim the English Channel there were few doubts in my mind that she would achieve her aim. Not only is she very determined, she is also a very accomplished swimmer.

“The British Heart Foundation has particular significance for our family because of the special care that my sister Caroline received throughout her life. Mum also successfully underwent open heart surgery in 2009. So with all those family links, I wanted to do something to help Ali raise funds."

Speaking before his row Howard said, “My challenge won’t be in the harsh, cold waters of the English Channel but in my garage on my Concept II Rowing Machine.

“Ali will be swimming about 35km. In my usual training regime I row between 7,200 metres and 7,500 metres in 30 minutes. That would be a pace of around two and a half hours for 35km. However, I will not be able to maintain that pace for the duration of the row so my target is to complete the distance in under three hours – an average pace of 5,833 metres per 30 minutes.”

Howard made his “crossing” on Saturday 31st July – the week-end before Ali’s Big Swim.

If you would like to support Howard's epic row, please sponsor Ali by donating to her charities, using the button below:

DONATE HERE

Penguins swim the "Channel" - twice!

Two weeks ago, members of Winchester City Penguins Swimming Club supported Ali's big swim bid by holding their own sponsored indoor "Channel" swim.

Around 50 swimmers took part, swimming in relays over a period of three hours. The club aimed to cover twice the distance across the Channel - totalling 2560 lengths of Winchester College pool.

It was a truly French themed event with moustaches drawn on many swimmers' top lips, croissants for refreshments and helpers in traditional French costume.

Plastic ducks and boats bobbed around the pool to remind Ali of some of the hazards she might encounter in August. She was really thrilled with the support shown by club members:

“What a fantastic morning it was! I was so touched by the number of people who showed up – and it was really good fun!

“So much of my training is on my own so it was really special to share the pool with everyone from the smallest Flippers to those most experienced Masters who have already taken part in relays across the Channel. Thank you everyone for being there and helping support my swim – I can’t tell you how special you made me feel.”

Click here to see media coverage of this event.

Ali Swims The Channel