A six-strong team of swimmers from Oxford is preparing to take on one of the most iconic endurance challenges in the world, a relay swim across the English Channel, all in aid of the Paediatric Critical Care Unit at the John Radcliffe Hospital.
Calling themselves the Oxford Orcas, the group includes frontline NHS staff and charity supporters:
- Dr Michael Carter, Consultant in Paediatric Critical Care
- Rosie Priddy, Lead Education Nurse
- Dr Andrew Brent, Chief Medical Officer at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Sarah Vaccari, Oxford Hospitals Charity
- Hazel Shaw and George Middleton, community supporters
Together, they are aiming to raise £30,000 to fund specialist equipment and support for the unit, which cares for approximately 1,000 critically ill children each year from Oxfordshire and surrounding counties.
No Wetsuits, No Easy Route
The 21-mile relay swim, scheduled for this July, is no small feat. Swimmers must navigate freezing waters, powerful currents, and endure hours in the sea without wetsuits, in line with Channel Swimming Association rules. The team has been training for months, braving cold open-water conditions through winter and spring to prepare for the crossing.
Dr Michael Carter, who previously completed the Channel swim as a solo swimmer, spearheaded the initiative.
“The challenges we see our young patients and their families face every day are what drive us,” said Dr Carter.
“This swim is a way to give something back and help provide the best possible care on the unit.”
Local Support Makes It Possible
The Oxford Orcas have received generous support from local businesses, including Breckon & Breckon and Minoli Tiles, whose sponsorship covers the cost of the swim, meaning every penny raised goes directly to Oxford Hospitals Charity.
The team also thanked Queenford Lakes Open Water Swimming for access to training facilities and their ongoing encouragement.
“Somewhat Madly, I Joined the Team…”
Dr Andrew Brent, Chief Medical Officer at OUH Trust, acknowledged the challenge ahead with good humour.
“I’m old enough to know better, young enough to do it anyway, and busy enough to need a goal to carve out time for exercise — so, somewhat madly, I joined the team,” he said.“Our aim is to raise vital funds for the Paediatric Critical Care Unit, helping us deliver the best care to the sickest children across the region. As we prepare to swim through cold water, in the dark, dodging jellyfish, we’d love your support!”
Help the Oxford Orcas Reach Their Goal
So far, the team has raised over £20,000, with donations still pouring in. You can help them hit their target and support seriously ill children by donating at justgiving.com/page/oxford-pccu-channel-swim.
