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Between July and September 2014
Contact Hannah Minnery
Email hannah.minnery@diabetes.org.uk
Phone 020 7424 1000
We are now taking applications for the Diabetes UK Channel Swim Relay 2014. This is a fantastic challenge, a real once in a lifetime experience! Swimming across the English Channel and reaching the French coast is something you will never forget. In 2013 we have six relay teams taking part and are looking to put together at least another six teams for 2014.
To read about Katie's experiences from a previous Diabetes UK Channel Swim Relay , please click on the link on the right. And you can see how our 2012 swimmers got on by watching the video below.
Teams of six swimmers will be taking part in a relay-race across the English Channel from Dover to Cap Gris Nez in France. This is a distance of 22 miles and will take approximately 15 hours. We will be using Channel Swimming and Piloting Federation (CS&PF) boats and pilots. The CS&PF is a Governing body for English Channel swimming that is officially recognised by both the British and French authorities.
This is a fundraising event in aid of Diabetes UK. You will be asked to donate£95.00 in order to secure your place and pledge to raise a minimum of £1350.00 in sponsorship, 80% of which should be with Diabetes UK eight weeks before the event. The remaining 20% should be with Diabetes UK six weeks after the event.
The challenge will take place at some point between July and September 2014. Swimmers will need to be available for the whole slot and able to get to Dover at short notice. Exact departure will depend on weather conditions. Although you will know the week of the challenge well in advance you will only be given approximately 24 hours notice of the exact time of departure.
We are looking for people, with or without diabetes, to take part. All volunteers should be regular pool swimmers, already capable of swimming 1,500 meters (60 lengths of a 25m pool), preferably in front-crawl. Individual and team applications are all welcome.
This event is tough but achievable with training. On the day, each swimmer must be capable of swimming at least 2 x 1hr swims in the sea and be prepared to swim more. Training days will be held in Dover giving you the opportunity to meet your team and to acclimatise to the conditions. Our coach, Rob Healey has Type 1 diabetes and has been involved in several relays as well as making a solo attempt of the English Channel and completing a successful round Jersey solo. He is on hand to provide advice. See the training tips sheet for further details.
All swimmers will need to complete a medical form sent from the Channel Swim & Piloting Federation in January in the year of your swim. The Channel Swim & Piloting Federation boat and pilot are insured to get you across the busy shipping lanes. Swimmers must obtain personal accident insurance that covers 'open-water' swimming.