Select a region
A group of six swimmers aged 25 to 45 will be swimming the English Channel as a relay in July in a bid to raise funds for the JSPCA.
Under the direction of Swim Smart coach, Andy Truscott, Simon Du Feu, Rhiannon Gribbell, Danny Richardson, Phil Gaudin, Nicky-Holgate-Smith and Emma Bateman are currently training for their relay, scheduled between 17 and 21 July 2021.
The team will be taking to the waters in a bid to raise £4,500 for the JSPCA, a target which they are now really close to reaching.
Over the next few days, Express will be presenting each of the participants, starting with coach, Andy; swimming teacher, Nicky and photographer, Danny.
Pictured: Andy Truscott is the team's coach. (Credit: Danny Richardson)
I have swam the Channel once a couple of years ago, but I am a recognised ultra-marathon swimmer being the only person to solo swim Jersey to France and back as well as the only person to swim round Jersey twice without stopping, as well as many other swims, including six around Jersey.
Nervous, exciting, as well as relieved when you make it. A lot of hard work goes into big swims and it's great when you finish it and it is all worth the blood, sweat and tears.
Each person is different. The current team I am training have bonded well and each person brings something different to the table, so to speak. Each swimmer has their own fears and challenges and that's what we deal with.
We are currently still acclimatising and extending our time in the water. Each member has their own individual plan that concentrates on the areas they need to focus on and improve. We are four months out and will be picking up the distance as well as tackling things such as night swims.
Face everything and rise (FEAR). Tackle those demons head on and defeat them. Having people around you that believe in you and get rid of the negatives will help you to succeed. Given the right tools then you CAN Succeed if YOU want it bad enough.
A long-time sea swimmer, qualified swim teacher and lfeguard, Nicky moved to the island in 2001 and “absolutely loves” living and working here.
She worked for the Jersey Swimming Club, who supported her in setting up her own swim school ‘Enjoy2Swim' and 'Enjoy2train’, and now focuses on teaching one-to-one lessons for children and adults, who have a fear of water or are not confident in joining group lessons.
Pictured: Nicky says the worst part about the training has been to "motivate yourself off your nice comfy sofa for me". (Credit: Danny Richardson)
I have always swam in the sea since I was younger. I am just more committed to swim in the sea than ever before!
I am excited an obviously nervous at the prospect of crossing the Channel alongside the rest of our team, I think the camaraderie amongst the team is what makes it so special to do. We know it is not going to be an easy challenge but that’s the beauty of it, it would be very boring if the challenge was an easy one.
I have wanted to do this challenge for a while now. Being self-employed I have had such a topsy-turvy time during the pandemic, having something else to focus on is a real motivator for me to get up and put aside the worries I have and do something which enables me to get that all important release of endorphins.
The other reason beside the health benefits is that as a dog lover, I am a huge supporter of the JSPCA. I have been very privileged to have met all the team at the Animal Shelter and what a fantastic, dedicated and compassionate team they are.
I am absolutely delighted to do my bit to raise vital funds to help them.
I have been meeting up with my friend Ailie Brown and various team members three to four times a week and slowly building time in the water, whilst visiting the many beautiful bays we have here in Jersey.
We then meet up with Coach Andy Truscott at the weekend and do a group session. He runs a tight ship, no slacking will be had!!
Worst is motivating yourself off your nice comfy sofa for me. I’ve had a tag team making me get off it especially when the weather has been a bit miserable!
Pictured: As a dog lover, Nicky is "absolutely delighted" to support the animal shelter.
The best part though is the many sun rises and sunsets we see when we are taking our dip. The scenery is pretty spectacular, you could be anywhere in the world here in Jersey.
Also, since starting training I have met so many seasoned sea swimmers and talked to many of them and they have been so kind in giving me fantastic tips along the journey. All the team keeps in touch every day and we me meet up for a swim when one or other is free, we all have our own demons we worry about with the challenge, but talking about them really helps to settle the nerves, I am proud to be a part of the team.
I have to say we have a fantastic local swimming community who really support one another and now more than ever this really is what community spirit is all about.
Danny Richardson, 37
Having swam competitively as a child, photographer Danny Richardson gets in the water regularly and considers the water, whether it’s a pool or the sea, as his “natural habitat."
Last summer, he spontaneously joined fellow artists Jason Butler, Will Bertram, Ben Robertson and Sam Carney - together, 'The Salty Sea Pups' - for a swim in the sea.
Danny then carried on swimming into the winter and now also regularly swims with the ‘Bluebells’, who regularly get together at St. Aubin and welcomed him to join them at 09:00 every morning.
He has been documenting his swimming adventures as well as taking portraits of locals sea swimmers and describes the experience as finding his "new love by returning to his old love”.
Pictured: Photographer Danny Richardson has been documenting the team's training.
Every day at least once a day since 17 November 2020.
The adrenaline rush of the cold and being at the mercy of nature whilst at the same time the calmness that this can also provide, and also the camaraderie with other sea swimmers.
I am looking forward to it, plus a little apprehensive… But mainly looking forward to the challenge!
I wanted a physical and mental challenge for 2021 that would test me and give me a goal to aim for in the year.
Pictured: Danny has been photographing local swimmers. (Credit: Danny Richardson)
Training has been good so far, I’ve been sea swimming, running, cycling and lifting some weights - the first time since I was a teenager that I’ve looked after myself so well.
I enjoy all aspects of the training, even the early rises where we’ve witnessed some beautiful sunrises. You can pretty much eat what you want which is also good - I more than most need a bit of extra bulk to deal with the cold.
The cold is the worst part, but it is also a vital part in trying to find comfort in the uncomfortable.
Lead picture: From left, Phil Gaudin, Emma Bateman, Simon Du Feu, Rhiannon Gribbell, Danny Richardson and Nicky-Holgate-Smith (in the insert) (Credit: Danny Richardson)
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.