Having left twice within the last 48 hours to set off on her Channel Solo, this time it was definately happening and we were more than ready. Following months of intense pool sessions, lockdown tethered training, open water distance swims, overnight and sea training, it was Jo's moment to let it all slot into place.

At 02:47 on Tuesday 11th August Jo set off from Samphire Hoe to make memories that will last forever. The weather was stunning, with flat calm seas and a beautiful forecast ahead. We were expertly guided by Kevin Sherman on Connemara along with CSA Observers Paula and Craig. A familiar crew from many previous crossings. Family and Friends and keen Uswim Followers were poised at their computers ready to watch that red dot progress.

The first 2 hours are always quite tense, for crew and for swimmer. We have all as a team been working towards this very day. It means so much, we are all in it together. Due to starting in the dark Jo was asked to swim to the (starboard) left of the boat, so the Pilot could keep a close eye on her flashing green lights, however it soon became clear that Jo was struggling with this. She was not happy at all, and following discussions with the Pilot we insisted she move to her favoured side. Now she could settle and certainly did. Hourly feeds commenced, fast and fuss free. Perfect.

As the sun rose we had entered the South West Shipping Lane , visibility was poor with a haze teasing a hot hot day. We can usually see the bright white Cliffs of Dover and France on a clear day, but today it was not the case and wouldn't be visible for a long time yet.

Unbeknown to Jo, a seal had popped up to have a nosey and there was a line of other Swim Escort Boats out at the start of their adventure. We left the SW shipping lane at 0900 which was unusually quiet, unlike the social media group which was going crazy as people woke and did what they did best- encourage support and will Jo with every stroke she took.

Now it was light and messages of support could be shown to Jo to keep her spirits up. Big smile to show her appreciation as these were dropped to eye level for her to read.

As we progressed "Masterpiece" edged alongside us with their Solo Swimmer, an unusual experience as its rare to be so close. With the seas changing motion, there were points they were abeam of us and points were they were behind us as the different tides challenged the different swimmers.

Jo fed hourly and was in great spirits, her stroke count was strong and consistent as she began moving down into the NE Lane. The mist was still looming and visibility was poor which was pointed out by the only cargo ship we saw all day as it sounded its fog horn. Jo obviously completely unawares. You could not see France ( a good thing) and you could not see the White Cliffs.

A message soon came through from Jo's biggest supporter her husband Jason, to tease that he was in France. Did we believe him? Absolutely. We had discussed the possibilities and heard the lengths he had been to previously and knew it was a possibility, that as we landed ( at this point there was no reason to doubt anything else) he would be there, flowers, champagne in a tuxedo, sorry I am getting carried away. At this point I chose not to share with Jo this information but keep it as a weapon for when it was needed.

Jo started complaining of shoulder pain and requested pain killers in her next feed, and obviously I obliged. Dave jumped in alongside Jo to give her some company and umphh from in the water and was able to take some fabulous in water shots to go in the Album. Click and Hope working a treat.

Jo's pain never subsided, the painkillers doing nothing and we could see her stroke start to slow losing strength in the water. Feeds had now been reduced to 45 minutes to help with energy levels. Messages were pouring in , the support was amazing as always the Uswim Community step right up.

At 1407 we had left the North East Shipping Lane and entered French Inshores. There had been a brief moment when the wind had picked up slightly but not enough to cause a problem, the problem was the wind is in one direction and the tide another and we were approaching the crucial point of the Channel. The point we had discussed and where every swimmer needs to dig deep.

The moment came which we dread, the Pilot popping his head out for a chat. Despite Jo remaining totally focused and no doubt fighting for every arm movement as her body started to ache, we were not making any progress and within 20 minutes had not made any head way but gone back 1 mile. We had tried to turn on a couple of opportunities but Jo just moved further North and we missed the Cap.

The Pilot said the words we dread "she has blown it". The Channel so cruel. Jo simply did not have the strength to get over it and as we fought along with her , a super strong feed was made and I suggested that Dave get in again. One last chance. It had got to the point that Jo was unable to stay with the boat and was a good 60 metres behind us, not where the Pilot likes you to be and a sign (to them) you cannot follow instructions.

Dave stopped Jo and said " if you don't push now and swim hard its another 6 hours- now swim with me". Jo didn't respond but just kept turning her arms over. By this point a drone had appeared over us and I knew that Jason had made it to the finish point. We found out after that Jo had seen this and knew she was not far from France for the Drone to work. I shouted continually from the boat with Paula joining in , we had started to make progress and we could see a landing point.

I had promised Jo that she will know when she is going to land because I will swim her in. That is exactly what I did changing over with Dave and swimming alongside Jo, I shouted " get your head down, Jason's on the beach".

Jason stood on the beach, camera on live mode as we edged closer and closer. It felt a long way and was extremely rocky with huge boulders almost blocking an easy landing. Also stood on the rocky edge was Channel Swimmer and French Resident Patrice who tries to capture any swimmer landing in France and other onlookers.

We had been briefed on the landing , to ensure that we did not upset any officials and was told that Jo had not to walk out of the water near anyone , once the water did not support her and she could stand and raise her hands in the air, she had become a Channel Swimmer. As Jason stood there it seemed cruel, but this finish could not be jeopardised.

Jo stumbled to her feed and raised her arms in the air. The boat horn sounded and her dream had come true. Jo was a Channel Swimmer.

The swim back to the boat is always an emotional one for me. The hours and hours of training, the uncertainty for the swimmer, the mental resilience and most of all the meaning of this swim to Jo. To have her name as an English Channel Swimmer in the history books forever. And she did it!

Huge thank you to the Uswim Community, Jo's family/friends and lets not forget the Pilot Kevin Sherman showing his expertise and true investment in giving the swimmer every possible chance.

Press play and watch Jo's inspirational day at sea.