- 06 Feb 2025
- •
- 2 min read
Trethowans team takes on English Channel relay swim to raise funds for Aspire
A team from Trethowans will be taking on an English Channel relay swim in August 2025 to raise funds for Aspire, a national charity supporting people with spinal cord injury.
The team of six includes Andrew Mercer, Emma Wilders-Pratt, Laura Trapnell, Jennifer Bowes, Amy Croxford and Taylor Anderson.
Andrew is no stranger to the Channel. This will mark his third relay swim, with his most notable achievement dating back to 1981 when he was part of the Dover Lifeguard team that broke the mixed relay world record, completing the crossing in an astonishing 7 hours and 17 minutes – a record that still stands today.
Andrew shares, “Having completed this challenge twice, I know the immense physical and mental effort it takes. This time, it’s even more special to share the experience with my colleagues, who are undertaking this challenge for the first time. Supporting Aspire’s incredible work provides all the motivation we need to push through the cold waters and unpredictable conditions of the Channel.”
The team is currently training, focusing on cold-water acclimatisation and endurance to prepare for the challenge. Each swimmer will take turns navigating the Channel’s 22-miles of chilly, often turbulent waters.
Andrew Ogierman, Challenge Events Manager at Aspire, says, “Aspire has been arranging Channel relay swims for 15 years, however, every year is exciting and new as teams prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. Funds raised, nearly £2 ½ million since 2009 have helped to make a significant difference to the work of Aspire. We are very grateful to the Trethowans team who have decided to take on the Channel in support of our work and wish them well in the coming months.”
Aspire provides vital support to people with spinal cord injury, helping them achieve independence through housing, training, and advocacy. Trethowans has a long history of supporting causes that align with its legal expertise in personal injury and clinical negligence, and this swim is another opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
The team will be sharing updates on their training journey and fundraising efforts over the coming months. To support the Trethowans team and their efforts to raise funds for Aspire, please visit their fundraising page https://www.justgiving.com/page/channel-swim-25
