A fantastic 2022 season for Graham Hadfield meant that when an opportunity arose for an English Channel attempt, he didn't need much persuasion. His wife shouted YEP! and just like that the planner came out and the build began.

On Thursday 19th July at 23:45 Graham started his swim from Samphire Hoe. Crewing was myself and friend Andy on Connemara with the fabulous Kevin Sherman.

The start a  little bouncy but absolutely perfect conditions once the sun rose. The first few hours are always a little unsettling. As the swimmer tries to find their place by the boat, disorientated by the lights, close then far away, you have to just stay in the moment and take every hour as it comes.

The swim itself was drama free. Graham is a very serious swimmer who needed no fuss just feeds. He knew what he needed to do, and he absolutely did it. We hit all the markers on time yet still had a tough slog once in French inshores. The landing point changed several times as Graham was unable to swim over the tide. However a demand of more effort, a fast acting glucose fix and BOOM he's in.

English Channel Swimmer 12 hours and 7 minutes.

Some amazing photos captured. Click the link to watch a small video of Grahams day in La Manche.