English Channel Swims Celebrate Record Solo Crossing and Charity Relay

Firefighter Emma of Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service completed a solo crossing of the English Channel in 14 hours 23 minutes, overcoming a failed attempt the previous year. Her achievement required months of training in cold water and demonstrates the endurance demanded by one of the world’s toughest open‑water swims.

Marking the centenary of Gertrude Ederle’s historic 1926 crossing, a six‑woman relay team called the Channel Champions will swim the Channel from Dover to France between 6‑10 August. The relay, with swimmers Laura Kent, Rachel Porter, Heidi Martin‑Barshell, Teresa Oliver, Emily Yates and Sue Davis, aims to raise funds and awareness for SwimTayka, a charity focused on drowning prevention and water‑safety education.