12 July 2022

Swimming to Calais, for Calais!

Huge congratulations to Fenella Hodges, Katie Willis, Tessa Owen and Phoebe Critchlow (all L6) who have successfully completed their swim across the English Channel in 13 hours and 41 minutes.

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Huge congratulations to Fenella Hodges, Katie Willis, Tessa Owen and Phoebe Critchlow (all L6) who have successfully completed their relay swim across the English Channel in 13 hours and 41 minutes.

The four Sennockians were joined by friends Freya and Cleo, with the team of six embarking on the challenge together on 10 July after months of training.

The students were inspired to take on the Channel and support Care4Calais after they heard the news that 27 refugees had died trying to cross over from France to the UK. They realised that while they are swimming the Channel for a challenge, they will probably be far safer than those who are crossing the channel in search of a better life in a safe, non-hostile environment.

Care4Calais is a volunteer-run charity, delivering essential aid and support to refugees living in the worst conditions across Northern France, Belgium and Italy. Operating year-round from Calais, their focus is to provide warm clothing, bedding, food and medical assistance to people in desperate need.

Fenella said: ‘By supporting Care4Calais, we hope to use our privilege to support people who are only 21 miles away from Dover, and are facing homelessness, hunger and police violence.’

If you would like to show your support by donating, please visit their Gofundme. Every £10 they receive for Care4Calais will feed a family of four for ten days, so every donation makes a huge difference!

 

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