A Harrogate woman is set to take on an epic swimming challenge next month, as she attempts to cross the English Channel solo.
24-year-old Millie Bell will swim the 21 miles from Dover to Northern France in August, whilst fundraising for St Michael’s Hospice and Cosmic.
St Michael’s cared for Millie’s grandmother, affectionately nicknamed ‘Nanna’, and provided her with end of life care.
Cosmic provide emergency care for babies and infants.
Millie expects the challenge to take her between 10 and 20 hours.
She’s been training for the feat for around three years, including several end to end Windermere swims - which are 10.5 miles.
She successfully completed a swim from Jersey to France last year, which took just over 7 hours.
Millie said:
“I will be swimming through one of the world's busiest shipping lanes. I will also likely have to swim in the dark in the night, battle the tides and swim through fields of jellyfish.
“The training for the channel has been tough and I know it is going to get so much tougher. I knew the channel would test my body to its limits, however what I didn't realise is how challenging it would be for my head.
“Swimming long distances is tiring, but the mind games are worse. Not giving up at these moments is often more challenging than the swim itself.
She added:
“Although training and racing can often be difficult, the world of open water swimming has brought me so much happiness.
“I have been welcomed into one of the most caring and supportive communities there is.
“I hope my channel attempt gives people following my journey the confidence not to wait for the right moment, or to wait till they are more confident, that they can just go out and do it, afraid!”
Millie has raised £684 at the time of writing, but aims to raise £2,000 in total.
Speaking about her reasons behind choosing to support St Michael’s Hospice, Millie said:
“My Nanna was my number one fan. She passed away before I started all my crazy swim adventures and she would have been so proud of everything I have achieved.
“I wish I could see her smile and eyes sparkle one last time. Anyone locally who has had a loved one spend time in the hospice will know what an incredible job they do.”
If you’d like to contribute to Millie’s fundraising campaign, find her JustGiving page here.
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