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David Bailey, a dispute resolution lawyer in Brighton, will dive into the chilly waters off Dover on September 14 to begin a 21-mile journey to the French coast, and without a wetsuit in accordance with the Channel Swimming Association’s official rules.
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the first successful English Channel swim by Captain Matthew Webb in 1875, adding historical significance to David’s challenge.
Known as the ‘Everest of open water swimming’, the swim could take anywhere from 12 to 18 hours, with David battling strong tides, jellyfish, and unpredictable weather across the world’s busiest shipping lane.
David Bailey said:
“While it is both humbling and inspiring to attempt the crossing on such a landmark anniversary, it’s no surprise that fewer people have completed this swim than have summited Mount Everest.
“Above all, I’m hoping to raise vital funds for four charities that are very close to my heart, including two based in Brighton.”
David lost his mum, Beryl, in 2020 after contracting coronavirus. Beryl had severe dementia, and it was Alzheimer’s disease that had weakened her too much to fight the virus.
David said:
“It’s too late for mum to benefit personally from a cure, but any money raised for the Alzheimer’s Society helps people affected by dementia to get the support they need, as well as funding vital research into a cure.
“Mum was a volunteer on her local Save the Children Fund committee so I’ll also be raising money for this wonderful organisation, that does so much incredible work across the world.”
Locally, David is raising money for the Saltdean Lido Trust, where he has been a trustee for seven years, and Sea Sure, a community focused project in Brighton & Hove that uses the power of the sea to support mental health and wellbeing.
David added:
“If people can donate any amount, big or small, it will certainly help me to meet the huge challenge ahead of me, especially knowing these incredible good causes will benefit.”
To find out more and support David’s attempt to swim across the English Channel, click here.
