Fionnuala's English Channel Swim 2012

Between August 8th and 16th I will attempt to swim the English Channel, fulfilling a lifelong ambition.

Guided by a pilot boat wearing just a swim suit, cap and goggles, I will swim from Dover to the French coast (the distance as the crow flies is 21 miles, but with traffic, weather and tides it is most likely to be significantly longer).

If successful I will become the first person from Co. Clare to achieve this feat, often referred to as ‘the Everest of Open Water Swimming’.

In August 1999 I sent my first email inquiry to the Channel Swimming Association, it took me over a decade later to send the booking deposit to my pilot Paul Foreman in 2010. I have many dreams - some big, some small, I am very fortunate to have the chance to live my Channel dream in August.

Since last September I have spent countless hours training in pools, lakes, seas, baths and mostly the Shannon Estuary.  Long distance training camps in Fuertaventura, Malta, Kinsale and Dover. Weekly yoga classes, physiotherapy visits and sports massage all with the goal of swimming to France.

By the time I arrive on the French shoreline I expect to have clocked up 1,500,000.00 Meters!

Naturally, I could never have got this far alone, I am blessed to have a phenomenal family and friends that have supported me all the way on my rollecoaster journey, no need to list you – you know who you are :)

I personally am funding 100% of all cost’s associated with my challenge and would like to use this opportunity to fundraise for charity.  All monies raised by me will go directly to Muscular Dystrophy Ireland and Pieta House.

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You can follow me on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/FionnualaWalshEnglishChannelSwim2012

Go raibh míle maith agat, Fionnuala.