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22
Jul 2021
Harrogate channel swimmers reach the finish line
A group of intrepid swimmers have just returned home after completing the channel swim in heatwave temperatures on Tuesday.
The team of four, three from the Harrogate district, swam 30 miles in their relay swim yesterday completing it in just over 14 hours.
After swimming together for eight years, friends Andrea Stark and Jacqui Hargrave decided to do the relay for charity. They then convinced Jonty Warneken and Richard Powell to join.
This was the team's fourth attempt to complete the challenge after cancelling previously due to covid and bad weather.
Jacqui Hargrave said the feeling was "incredible" when her feet finally touched the pebbly beach off the French coast. Due to the pandemic, the final swimmer, Ms Hargrave, could only stand on the beach for 10 minutes before returning to the boat.
Along the way the group would write inspirational messages or warnings on a whiteboard so the one swimming their hour-long lap was kept in the loop.
They encountered jellyfish, large cargo ships and clogs of seaweed but kept spirits high by singing their way through.
Ms Hargrave said:
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Setting off at 6.20am from Dover yesterday. Changing tides and avoiding shipping lanes meant their swim was an additional 9 miles. They swam 30.5 miles in 14 hours and 58 seconds.
Each swimmer has chosen a different charity to fundraise for; Jacqui Hargrave is donating to Saint Michael’s Hospice, Andrea Stark is donating to the Samaritans, Richard Powell has chosen Combat Stress as his charity and Jonty Warneken is donating to Open Country.
The foursome have managed to raise £5,469.15 together so far. To donate, click the links above.
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