Thanks to everyone here for even making a Channel attempt possible:
When I first met Dawn and Gill of ‘Trinswimwell’ I could barely swim a length of my local 33 metre pool. I had completed a ‘Total Immersion’ weekend but other than that hadn’t swam for around 15 years, I had also signed up to do a Channel swim. These two ladies took me from complete non-swimmer to completing a 10km swim and attempting Rottnest. I cannot recommend them enough – if you are looking at improving your technique, or developing a technique full stop, go and see them!
After helping to crew on Cameron Spittle’s channel swim in September 2010 my eyes were blown wide open. It was a complete swimming exhibition, and one of the best days of my life. Afterwards he was kind enough to invite me to Australia, to kayak for me on the Rottnest swim, to give me advice and hook me up with Vlad and the rest of his swimming squad. He even lent me his car whilst I was down under! An excellent swimmer and an excellent man, I will come back and complete Rottnest I promise – and eat sandwiches.
Vlad Mravec is without doubt an incredible swim coach. He took me to the next level of my swimming whilst visiting him in Australia. His generosity and enthusiasm are something I have never experienced before. All you have to do is look at the people he coaches to realise how outstanding he is:
- Louise Stevenson: the first placed female across Rottnest for 2 years running among many other honours, including a 38km fiji swim.
- Cameron Spittle: English Channel swimmer in 9hours and 40minutes,
- Chloe McCardel: Holder of many records in the swimming world, and having completed both a single and double crossing of the Channel and attempted a 3 way this year.
- Tori Gorman: An excellent swimmer who has completed many long distance swims including Rottnest and Fiji and will attempt the Channel next year.
There are many more. If you’re in Australia and want to improve your swimming go and see Vlad. I guarantee you will get better, faster and fitter than ever before.
The entire beach crew at Dover harbour, including Freda, Barry, Irene and the whole gang. The fact that these people give up their weekends throughout the summer to help people achieve their dreams is amazing. My faith in humanity has literally been reignited since becoming part of the swimming community, never have I met so many people willing to help you out for no reason other than to help you out. Thank you so much for everything.
Channel legends Nick Adams and Kevin Murphy, for the talks and help offered when I have been acting like a baby and needing a kick up the arse. I apologise for being such a drama queen at times. Thanks a lot for somehow managing to keep me confident, and making me get back in the water. I'll see you again next year.
Everybody at Swimtrek: guides Karen, Mia, Freda and Nick and all the fellow swimmers. It was a truly inspirational week and a brilliant way to meet some more people who were in the same boat as me. A special mention has to go to Hannah, Simon and Lorcan who kept my morale high for the whole time and kept me laughing.
I have to thank my girlfriend Clare obviously, for putting up with me for a whole year of whinging and complaining about being tired. Also for keeping me fed and being my only source of sympathy when I need it. She’s got another year to look forward to.
Tom and Rachel for the Windermere effort, it was an excellent day made possible by everyone giving up their weekends so I could swim.
Everybody that has sponsored me. I hate asking people for sponsorship but want to raise as much as possible for a charity that I truly believe in, ‘Help for Heroes’. I have been amazed by everybody's generosity and I am really grateful for every penny.
Thanks a lot!
