Raising Money for Level Water

Raising Money for Level Water

By Karen Smith

August 20, 2018

The time had finally come: 18 months of preparation, sacrifice, and hard work. Team Foxtrot had approached us as a solid team of three determined to swim the English Channel. This trio had conquered many challenges previously—long cycles, running events, and triathlons—and certainly knew how to celebrate, but they realized this challenge needed a little extra help.

With a few months to go, it was decided that the trio would need a fourth swimmer to take some of the pressure off, and Uswim's very own Dave Quartermain stepped up. With a Channel solo in the diary for 2019, this was a great opportunity for him to reunite with the English Channel.

It was an early start for Team Foxtrot as they boarded Connemara on the morning of 20th August. As always, mixed feelings of excitement, anxiety, and fear filled all four. Individuals had fought personal demons just to get to the starting line—from fears of hypothermia to fears of jellyfish. Seasickness was also a huge concern, but we were medicated and ready. With a consultant and a nurse on board the crew, what could possibly go wrong?

The forecast was fair, and the team looked for a strong start off the beach, with Dave Quartermain beginning the swim from Samphire Hoe. The swim commenced in darkness, but as it became light, the horizon became a focal point for Joanne Roe as she began to feel seasick. Slow, deep breaths and a steady focal point ensured Jo did not become a victim of the dreaded sea.

Stuart was in next like a coiled spring; he could not wait to get in. He put in a fabulous swim, powering through the small waves. Stuart had always been concerned about the water temperature, but it was recorded at a toasty 18 degrees—a huge relief for all. He put in a super strong shift and had the biggest smile on his face when he got out.

The third swimmer was Justin Roberts, the calm one of the bunch. By the time Justin jumped in, the wind had settled and the conditions were favorable for a speedy crossing. Despite concerns about the CSA changeovers, Justin made it look simple and swam hard for his hour.

Last but not least was Jo. After feeling unwell on board, she hoped the seasickness would settle in the water. Jo had significant anxieties about jellyfish and had even received hypnotherapy in preparation. We prayed she wouldn't encounter any; she got her head down and put in a stirring performance with no jellyfish in sight. Phew!

The team made great progress as the wind died down. While two of the four swimmers still felt quite ill between stints, the team pulled together and morale stayed high. Dave and Stuart had completed three 1-hour swims when our pilot, Kevin Sherman, informed Justin that he needed to give his next hour everything to reach the French beach.

It had come around so fast we could not believe it! Justin fueled up and gave it his all, leaving Jo the job of finishing. After 35 minutes, it was Jo who landed in France. Poor Jo was stalked by a rather large jellyfish during the last stint, but as per Channel rules, the next swimmer in the relay format (Dave) was allowed to join her for the beach finish to film the moment.

In a supersonic time of 11 hours and 35 minutes, Team Foxtrot arrived in France.

I had previously suggested that after a long day at sea, the team might not feel like partying and a bottle of bubbly would be enough. I stand corrected! The journey back was the best trip I have ever encountered. The bubbly flowed and the celebrations commenced. We were met on land by the Foxtrot support crew, who have been there throughout the whole 18-month journey. To date, the team has raised over £5,090 (plus gift aid) for their charity. WELL DONE!