The time had finally come, 18 months of preparation, sacrifice and hard work. Team Foxtrot had approached us already a solid Team of 3 determined to swim the English Channel. This trio had conquered many challenges previously, long cycles, running events, triathlon and certainly knew how to celebrate, but this Challenge was one they would find out needed a little extra help.

It was decided with a few months to go that the trio would need a 4th swimmer to take some of the pressure off them and Uswim's very own Dave Quartermain stepped up to the Challenge. With a Channel Solo in the diary for 2019 this was a great opportunity to re unite with the English Channel.

It was an early start for Team Foxtrot as they boarded Connemara on the morning of 20th August. As always mixed feelings of excitement, anxiety and fear filled all 4. Individuals had fought demons to be able to get to the starting line. From the fear of hypothermia to the fear of jellyfish, this team had them all. Sea Sickness was also a huge concern and something we were determined would not be a reason to not complete this challenge. We were medicated and ready and with a Crew that had a Consultant and Nurse on board what could possibly go wrong.

The forecast was fair and the Team were looking for a strong start off the beach with Dave Quartermain starting the swim from Samphire Hoe. The swim had commenced in darkness but it soon became light and the horizon soon became a focus for Joanne Roe as she began to feel seasick. Slow deep breaths and steady focal point would ensure Jo would not become a victim of the dreaded sea. Dave was also not feeling his best before he had jumped in, so fingers were crossed he would be better in the sea.

Stuart was in next like a coiled spring, he could not wait to get in. A fabulous swim from Stuart and he was powering through the small waves caused by the wind which was due to settle down. Stuart had always been concerned about the water temperature, but it was recorded at a toasty 18 degrees so a huge relief for all. He put in a super strong shift and had the biggest smile on his face when he got out.

3rd Swimmer was Justin Roberts, the calm one of the bunch. By the time Justin had jumped in the wind had settled down and the conditions were favourable for a speedy crossing. Concerned about the CSA changeovers Justin made it look simple and swam hard for his hour.

Last but not least was Jo, who after feeling so unwell on board was hoping the seasickness would settle in the water. Jo had huge anxieties about jellyfish and had received hypnotherapy in preparation. We were on praying that she would not encounter any in the sea. Jo got her head down and put in a stirling performance with no jellyfish in sight. Phew!

The team had great conditions as the wind settled down meaning the Team were making great progress. 2 out of the 4 Swimmers were still feeling rather ill in between their swims but the team pulled together and moral stayed high. Dave and Stuart had completed 3 x 1 hour swims when our Pilot Kevin Sherman informed Justin that he needed to give his next hour everything in order to be in for a chance to be within reach of the French Beach. Wowsers a super fast crossing. It had come around so fast we could not believe it. Justin fuelled up and gave it his all, leaving Jo the job of finishing it. So after 35 minutes it was Jo who landed in France. Poor Jo being stalked by a rather large Jellyfish for the last stint too, but luckily as per Channel Rules the next swimmer in the relay format is allowed to join in for the beach finish and Dave was able to take the camera and film the finish.

In a Super sonic time of 11 hours and 35 minutes Team Foxtrot arrived in France.

I also need to add that I had said that after a long day at sea the team would not feel like partying and a bottle of bubbly to celebrate was likely enough. I stand corrected. The journey back was the best trip I have encountered out of all the journeys I have done. The bubbly flowed and the celebration commenced. We were met on land by the Foxtrot Support Crew who have been there throughout the whole 18 month journey. The Team also to date have raised £5090 plus gift aid for their charity. WELL DONE