Channel Swim

Local girl Madeleine Thomas, a pupil of Westgate School, was a member of the successful Winchester City Penguin junior girls SEA6 team that completed the Channel night crossing in 10 hours 18 minutes on 9th July. Just 17 minutes over the record.

The six schoolgirls had trained for two years in open water to raise £10,000 for Solent MIND, handsomely achieved!

They started their swim at 23.35 from Samphire Hoe just outside Dover on 9th July arriving at Cap Gris Nez just before 10am the following day.

Madeleine did swim during the night when the sea was rather choppy. Her mother Helen Hitchings wasn't on the boat - no parents were allowed- there wasn't the room, so the pictures shown here were captured by their coaches

10/07/2021, 08:09:59 - Madeleine swimming. No wetsuits were allowed and the water was 15.4ºC. Rather on the chilly side. Kate Steels and Rory Fitzgerald. You can still support the girls and Solent MIND by visiting their Just Giving page www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ winchestercitychannelswim or go to www.justgiving.com and search for - Winchester City Junior Relay Channel Swim Team. Solent Mind are Hampshire's leading mental health charity. They provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a 09/07/2021, 22:34:02 - on the boat of all the girls mental health problem. receiving their briefing - their masks a sign of the times! Campaigning to improve services and raise awareness until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect. Charity Registration No. 1081116