The ‘A Team’ confident ahead of Jersey to France swim

A group raising money for charity by taking on a relay swim from Jersey to France this weekend are feeling confident ahead of the crossing – which, for them, will be about more than an endurance challenge.

The ‘A Team’ comprises Yvette Joseph (Ark), Claudia Purley, Mark Halliwell, Joe Davidson, Adrian Thomas and Helen Wallace, who will be heading from La Coupe to Carteret on Saturday with the support of Sheila Coutanche and Neil Faudemer.

They are taking on the challenge in memory of Yvette’s brother Anthony, who passed away last year.

We are really enthusiastic, we are confident that we can all do it – we have got a great team

Yvette Joseph (Ark)

“I needed something positive to focus on,” Yvette told Express, explaining that she had been part of the island’s cold water swimming community for a number of years and that Claudia had suggested a team swim to France.

“I said I’ll do it if I can get some friends to come along with us and we do it in my brother’s name,” she continued, noting the fundraising aspect and adding that Anthony “was really into giving back”.

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Funds raised by the group will benefit the RNLI in Jersey and the UK, as well as the Itchenor Sea Wall project.

“Because my brother lived in East Wittering and Itchenor was next door to him, it was where he spent a lot of time,” Yvette explained.

The group has been undertaking the necessary preparation, including long-distance swims to ensure they will be capable of getting from shore to shore.

“We are really enthusiastic, we are confident that we can all do it – we have got a great team,” Yvette added.