• Swindon & Wiltshire Community champions
• Monday August 19 2024
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Wiltshire law firm’s managing partner to swim English Channel for charity

The managing partner of Wiltshire law firm Awdry Law will be swimming the English Channel in aid of local charities.

Alex David will swim the 21.5 miles from Dover to Cap Gris-Nez in France at the end of August to raise money for his firm’s charity partner, Julia’s House Children’s Hospice, and Devizes Opportunity Centre.

Alex, from Devizes, said he is a keen swimmer, but the channel challenge would be “like psychological warfare.”

“Your senses are completely overwhelmed by water,” said Alex. “You can’t smell much else other than the diesel on the boat; you can’t taste anything apart from saltwater because you’ve been swimming in the sea for that long. You can’t hear anything because you’ve got ear plugs in, and all you can see is darkness beneath you.”

The father-of-two said swimming the channel was also risky and challenging due to the cold water, changeable weather conditions and strong tidal currents.

“I have heard that more people have climbed Mount Everest than have successfully swum the English Channel. So, it’s a pretty big thing to do but I’ll give it my best shot,” Alex said.

Alex will be undertaking the swim in trunks, goggles and a swimming cap, because wetsuits give an unfair advantage and are banned if swimmers want a recognised time.

“I’m most worried about the cold after several hours because you can’t just grit your teeth and get on with it – there is the risk of hyperthermia and other issues.

“But I’ve done some good training, so I think I’ve given myself the best chance of acclimatising to it,” Alex said.

“I am competitive, and I would like to do it in under 14 hours, but it really depends on the conditions on the day. Ultimately, I just want to make it to French shores.”

Alex has already raised around £3,500 for Julia’s House and the Devizes Opportunity Centre. Anyonw wishing to donate can visit his Just Giving page.

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