A determined team of Oxfordshire swimmers have conquered the English Channel in a gruelling 17-hour relay – raising more than £40,000 for Oxford Hospitals Charity in support of the John Radcliffe Hospital’s Paediatric Critical Care Unit.
The Oxford Orcas, a group of six made up of NHS staff, charity colleagues and local supporters, set off from Samphire Hoe near Dover at 1.14am on Saturday 27 September. Seventeen hours and four minutes later, they sprinted ashore at Cap Blanc-Nez in France to complete the 21-mile crossing.
The Team Behind the Swim
The swimmers were:
- Dr Michael Carter, Consultant on the Paediatric Critical Care Unit
- Rosie Priddy, Lead Education Nurse on the unit
- Professor Andrew Brent, the Trust’s Chief Medical Officer
- Sarah Vaccari, Oxford Hospitals Charity
- Hazel Shaw and George Middleton, supporters of the unit
Together, they trained for months at sea and in Oxfordshire’s lakes to meet the Channel Swimming Association’s endurance requirements, including the gruelling two-hour swim in sub-15°C water without wetsuits.
A Long Wait for the Right Moment
The challenge was originally scheduled for July but had to be postponed due to lightning and high winds. Since then, the team have been “on standby” with bags packed, waiting for the next safe opportunity.
Dr Carter said:
“We’ve been training since January, but the weather scuppered our July attempt. Getting the call last week and finally setting off felt incredible. It’s been months of preparation and patience.”
Swimming by Night, Sunrise and Sunset
Each swimmer rotated in one-hour shifts, battling chilly 16-degree waters, container ship traffic, jellyfish and seasickness.
Professor Brent, who took the opening leg, described the atmosphere:
“Setting off with the White Cliffs behind me under a clear night sky was sublime. Swimming with only the boat’s lights for guidance was an honour – and an experience I’ll never forget.”
For Rosie Priddy, seasickness added to the challenge:
“The first hours were choppy, but as we neared France the waters calmed. As a nurse on the ward, it was a privilege to do something so positive to help the families we care for.”
George Middleton added:
“I’m used to warmer water, so the shock of sixteen degrees in just Speedos was brutal. We layered up with hot water bottles after each swim – but I wouldn’t have missed this for anything.”
For Sarah Vaccari, sunrise in the middle of the Channel was unforgettable:
“As the oldest and least athletic of the team, this was a huge challenge, but swimming into the dawn made it all worthwhile. The cause kept me going when it was tough.”
Hazel Shaw, who completed the final leg, touched French sand at 7.18pm local time:
“The sea was calm, the sun was setting – the perfect finish to an extraordinary day. I’ll carry that moment with me forever.”
Local Support and Fundraising Impact
The Orcas were trained at Queenford Lakes Open Water Swimming and sponsored by Oxford businesses Breckon & Breckon and Minoli Tiles, ensuring that every penny raised goes directly to Oxford Hospitals Charity.
The £40,000+ raised will fund specialist support and training for staff working on the Paediatric Critical Care Unit at the John Radcliffe, helping to improve the care of critically ill children from across the county.
Donations are still being accepted at: justgiving.com/team/oxford-picu-channel-swim
