A team of intrepid swimmers forced to scrap an “impossible” Channel crossing have turned disaster into triumph by taking on a punishing overnight pool marathon instead.
The ten-strong Odyssey Squad 2 were hours away from plunging into treacherous waters for a 63-mile epic from Alderney to Swanage when disaster struck.
A sudden mechanical failure left their vital safety boat stranded – shattering their dreams of conquering the terrifying currents of the Alderney “Race”.
Sinking feeling
Most would have thrown in the towel. But instead of surrendering to defeat, the resilient crew immediately pivoted their mission to keep their charity dream alive.
Swapping open ocean for continuous laps, the team plunged into the 50-metre La Vallette Guernsey Sea Pool on Friday night.
Their new mission? A relentless 100-kilometre overnight relay, swimming in grueling hourly shifts straight through the dark until Saturday morning.
True grit
Spearheading the charge is Aussie marathon legend Chloë McCardel.
Known as the “Queen of the Channel”, McCardel holds the world record with a staggering 44 Channel crossings.
Joined by dedicated local Guernsey swimmers, the team’s refusal to quit has already smashed their original fundraising goals, driving them to push their target up to £5,000.
Every single penny raised supports Level Water, giving disabled children the gift of swimming lessons, and Guernsey Disability Swimming, which funds dedicated, supervised pool sessions at Beau Sejour.
Final push
Now, the team members are calling on the public to rally behind them for the grand finale.
Supporters can cheer on the exhausted swimmers during their final stretch at La Vallette from 9:15 on Saturday, before meeting Channel legend McCardel in person from 9:30 to 10:30.
Donations can be made directly online through JustGiving and Giving.gg.
