• Swindon & Wiltshire Social
• Thursday July 10 2025

Law firm’s managing partner swims English Channel for charity

A Wiltshire law firm’s managing partner has swum the English Channel for charity.

Alex David, managing partner at Awdry Law, swam 21 miles from England to France, raising more than £9,000 – so far – for Julia’s House Children’s Hospice and Devizes Opportunity Centre along the way.

Alex, who practises family law from the Devizes office of the firm, completed the swim in 15 hours and four minutes.

He was due to undertake the challenge last year, but could secure a slot before the season ended. He secured a spot for July 1 to 10 before a last-minute opportunity was offered on June 25.

Rounding up his support crew, and despite the strong spring tides, Alex decided to grab the opportunity.

Choppy waves, a head wind, and water temperatures of under 16 degrees made the first half hard-going, said Alex.

“I remember thinking that there is no way that I can get to the end if it carries on like this. I wouldn’t have quit, but this dark thought entered my mind – what am I doing? Just get out and call it day.

“The first half took its toll. I could feel my shoulders were bruising from being slapped about constantly over many hours.

“I shortened my stroke to assist me in battling forward through the chop.”

However, around the half way point conditions improved. “The sun broke through, the wind died down, and the chop reduced. I got my long stroke going and started to make headway,” said Alex.

“After what felt like several hours, I did what I shouldn’t have done: I looked up and could see France!”

It was dark before Alex reached French inshore waters. “It felt like a clear boundary, where the temperature was markedly warmer. That was nice and good for morale. It made a welcomed change from a mild shiver when swimming.”

But the current meant Alex was being pushed backwards… and then he was stung by a jellyfish.

“I eventually got past the strong current and pushed hard trying to make the landing. I eventually felt the sand between my fingers. I kept swimming because, at this point, my hip flexors were shot to pieces and I thought at this stage, ironically, that swimming would be easier than walking. I was right.”

With the challenge over, Alex reflected: “The toughest part of swimming the Channel, is that once you step into the water off English shores, you cannot escape and you cannot help yourself. You cannot seek refuge for a minute or two or put on some clothes or a bobble hat to keep you warm. You cannot touch the boat or anyone. You are on your own until you feel that sand.

“It was worth it.”

To support his fundraising effort visit https://www.justgiving.com/team/alexswims2france