Members of the University of Sheffield Swimming and Water Polo Club swam across the channel and raised more than £6000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK.
The swim team saw 9 of their members participate in a charity relay swim across the channel on Friday 2nd July.
Members included Rosie Rudin, Xavier Bradley, Siân Jones, Jordan Barnes, Lauren Hodgson, Brandon Hill, Kitty Price, Jack McCabe and Ed Saxon.
The team left Samphire Hoe beach at 4:33am and completed the swim in 10 hours and 50 minutes, which is the fastest relay crossing this year.
Ahead of the swim, team members had to undergo cold water training, and the competency swim they did to qualify was at 13.3 degrees for 2 hours with no wetsuits.
Third-year Biomedical Science student, Rosie Rudin, helped to organise the charity channel relay swim and was the first of nine swimmers to take part in the swim. Rosie created a poll so that club members could vote on which charity they wanted the team to support, where the majority voted for Alzheimer’s Research UK.
She said: “One of the biggest challenges was the temperature as we were not able to wear a wetsuit.
“There were also plenty of jellyfish, but we had jellyfish repellent sun cream which worked a treat.
“Seasickness was also a major challenge, but previous channel swimmers provided us with hints and tips on how to deal with this.”
Swimming and Water Polo Club President, Alicia Thompson, said: “What the channel swim team have managed to achieve over the years, despite challenges and delays, is inspiring.
“I couldn’t be prouder that they are part of our club, setting the standard of what can be done for years to come, but on a personal level I couldn’t be more impressed and happy for my friends, who’s efforts and perseverance and being recognised and praised.”
Rosie added: “It was absolutely incredible seeing our team member, Jordan Barnes, finish the swim. Knowing how long we’ve prepared for this swim and the effort we’ve put in, to raise £6k for such a special charity was incredible.”
In the past, the Swimming and Water Polo Club have organised a 24-hour sponsored relay swim and a charity water polo tournament. Swimming the channel follows a succession of charitable events organised by this club.