Exeter woman to swim Channel

She'll need to avoid 600 tankers and 200 ferries in her relay with Team H2 Oh!

A trustee from Age UK Exeter is to swim the English Channel to raise funds for the charity.

Rachael Whitson will join three of her friends and a swimming coach (pictured), and call themselves Team H2 Oh! for the challenge.

Although the Channel is just 21 miles at its shortest point, they think they'll have to swim further because of the tides. They'll complete the task in relay, and expect to take between 18 and 25 hours.

They're not quite sure exactly which day they'll go; that depends on the weather, but it will be some time between 18 and 25 August. Not only will this be a feat of endurance, it has hazards too. The English Channel is one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, so they will have to avoid 600 tankers and 200 ferries or sea-cats a day. An escort boat will help with that. 

Martyn Rogers, CEO of Age UK Exeter says: "We are full of admiration that Rachael has taken on this epic challenge for us and wish her and Team H2 Oh! the very best of luck in their amazing endeavour."

Ms Whitson became a trustee of Age UK Exeter at a time when her 95-year-old grandfather was struggling to remain independent at home. She says: “It upset me to think of my grandfather alone and struggling when his family were hundreds of miles away – geography meant we weren’t always on hand to help.  He was typical of so many older people  living alone; Age UK Exeter provides valuable support and companionship to older people who might otherwise be feeling lonely, vulnerable and isolated. My grandfather’s plight moved me to make a difference. Through my fundraising efforts and volunteering as a  trustee of Age UK Exeter I want to help vulnerable, isolated and lonely older people  living in and around our city to find support and companionship through their many and varied services."