Braving the Channel

“What challenge can we set ourselves next?”

This was a question my childhood friend, Jon Massey, asked me last year. We have always sought new challenges, pushing each other to achieve more, having trekked across snow-covered peaks to cycling in the mountains. However, this time I thought it fitting for us to go back to our swimming roots – having met and competed against each other at Stockport Metro Swimming Club from the age of 12 – and take on the English Channel.

For Jon and me, this challenge was always about far more than the physical feat. We wanted to raise awareness and crucial support for Andy’s Man Club – a charity we both felt passionate about.

The charity is named after a man named Andrew Roberts who sadly took his own life aged 23. His family had no idea that he was suffering with his mental health and as a result looked deeper into male suicide and men’s mental health. They soon discovered that suicide is still the leading cause of death for men under 50. Andy’s mum and brother-in-law came up with the idea of Andy’s Man Club to help prevent this from happening to another family. They offer free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups for men aged 18 and above in a safe and judgement-free environment. We deeply believe in the work of Andy’s Man Club and feel there is much more that can be done to raise awareness of their work – it really is lifesaving!

Preparation for the swim wasn’t just a matter of clocking up the miles in the pool. Our training began a full year in advance, evolving from indoor sessions and strength work to braving the chill of Sale Waterpark, and the wild waters of North Wales. I can honestly say it was relentless, swimming three to four times a week, outdoors whatever the weather, mixing in running, cycling, and plenty of strength and core work.

Perhaps the most vital component was mental preparation – finding the right mindset and staying motivated was key, as well as knowing we were prepared physically. It was during an epic 8-hour training swim in Rhosneigr, Anglesey that the true scale of the challenge hit us and how much of an ultra-endurance challenge it was going to be.

No journey like this is undertaken alone, and the unwavering support from Equilibrium made all the difference. More than just encouragement, their sponsorship meant a great deal. It showed that they believed in me, they valued the cause and were willing to stand alongside me by investing their own resources and reputation. I felt immensely proud to represent an organisation willing to invest so wholeheartedly in both its people and the causes close to their hearts. This kind of commitment is a testament to the culture at Equilibrium – one that genuinely values its people and their achievements, both in and out of the workplace.

When businesses back charity challenges, the ripple effect is immense. The visibility, credibility, and network that come with corporate support help amplify every pound raised and every story told. The financial contribution is important, but so is the awareness it generates – colleagues, clients, and partners all become part of the story. It also sets an example, showing that the business cares about causes beyond its own walls, inspiring others to get involved.

The swim itself was nothing short of epic – a gruelling, life-affirming experience that tested us physically and mentally at every turn. Setting off from Dover at 13:05 and landing on Wissant beach in France 12 hours and 1 minute later, we faced choppy seas, darkness, relentless waves, and the surreal normality of jellyfish stings. The hardest part wasn’t always the water – it was the constant cycle of getting back onto the boat, warming up, eating, and then plunging back in. There were unexpected moments of hardship and loneliness too, but I kept my focus on each stroke whenever I found my mind wandering.

Not everything went to plan. Midway through the crossing, black smoke started billowing from our support boat’s engine, and for a moment, it looked as if our attempt might be over. I was swimming at this point however Jon braved the depths beneath the boat to clear the propeller and, knife in hand, freed the last of the debris, allowing us to continue our mission to France.

Our hope is that this Channel swim stands as a beacon for resilience, community, and the importance of mental health awareness. We want to demonstrate to our children, friends, and anyone facing their own challenges that with grit, teamwork, and a cause to believe in, even the most daunting goals can be achieved.

Our journey across the Channel was tough, but it left us with a renewed sense of possibility, pride, and purpose. And above all, a belief that no challenge is too great when you’re swimming for something bigger than yourself.