However, the keen swimmers are in need of sponsors to help them complete their “unfinished business”.
Caroline Jones (56) and Kristen Lackajis (43) – aka ‘The Burntwood Belles’ – set off from Fliquet earlier this month on an 18-mile relay swim to the French coast and back.
Pictured: Unsafe weather conditions meant Caroline and Kirsten had to stop swimming after over six hours.
The pair were hoping to complete the charity swim in aid of Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
Caroline’s daughter, Isobel, was diagnosed with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder when she was 15, after multiple tumours were found on her brain.
Birmingham Children’s Hospital provided care and support that saved Isobel’s life, and the swim challenge was a way to give back.
But six hours into their attempt, Caroline and Kristen faced Force 6 wind speeds and seasickness.
The duo unfortunately had to stop the challenge they had spent months fundraising for.
However, they have now had the go-ahead to try again – and are hoping to raise even more money for the children’s hospital.
Kristen and Caroline have been given a new swim slot in September by Lionheart Pilotage to finish what they set out to do – but they need sponsorship to help with travel costs.
The pair, themselves both capable open water swimmers and lifeguards, are determined to succeed.
“Getting back to Jersey to complete what we started is so important to us,” said Kristen.
“Not only because we feel it’s unfinished business, but also because we want to succeed for all those people who kindly donated to our charity of choice.”
Pictured: Caroline (right) and Kristen (centre) hope to find sponsorship which will allow them to finish the challenge in September.
The two friends have already raised over £3,000 for Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
Kristen continued: “Caroline is overwhelmed and delighted, and so proud to be able to give something back.
“We want [to finish the challenge] for the fantastic care provided to Isobel, which undoubtedly saved her life when she was in a critical condition – and this was all during the Covid pandemic too, so it was an incredibly worrying time.”
Having confirmed one UK corporate sponsor, The Burntwood Belles are searching for three or four more to help them get back to Jersey in September.
Kristen explained: “£500 each [per sponsor] would cover the cost of getting us back out there, hiring the boat, crew, accommodation, flights and hire of a car.
“This includes company logos on t-shirts and hats, as well as tagging companies in all our social media posts.
“It means so much to us, and we are looking forward to visiting Jersey and the wonderful people once again!”
CAN YOU HELP?
If you could help sponsor The Burntwood Belles on their swim challenge, please get in touch with Kirsten on klackajis@gmail.com.
DONATE…
You can donate to The Burntwood Belles in aid of Birmingham Children’s Hospital HERE.