Three sea swimmers are back on dry land after completing a “terrifying but exhilarating” charity challenge. Claire Watson-Armstrong, Jill Henderson and Karen Gallichan braved jellyfish, reports of orca sightings and strong tidal currents to finish a three kilometre North Sea swim without wetsuits.
Their aim was to raise funds for Hospice Care North Northumberland in memory of Claire's mum Linda Thorburn, who died from breast cancer last year. The trio were also discreetly topless as a tribute to women affected by breast cancer. They were joined by swimming buddy Gill Anderson for the crossing from Inner Farne to the Northumberland coast mainland on Monday August 24.
Safety support and tidal timing
Flanked by a flotilla of safety support boats from Billy Shiel Farne Island Boat Trips and KA Adventure Sports at Beadnell, along with family and friends, the group set off from Inner Farne at 0830 at slack water, when a gap in the strong tides running along the coastline eases, giving the swimmers a crucial window of time to make the crossing.
Claire Watson-Armstrong said: “It was terrifying but exhilarating and also very emotional. I did have a real wobble not long after we set off. I was struggling to get my breath and wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to do it. I did have a few tears into my goggles.
“We have such a wonderful comradery – Jill, Karen and Gill kept me going. The water was choppy and we’d heard reports that orcas were back in the area, which was praying on my mind. There were also a lot of jellyfish to avoid and I got painful leg cramps towards the end. But we did it, despite me being a diva!”
Tribute and gratitude
Claire added: “I can’t thank William Shiel of Billy Shiel’s Boat Trips enough. His knowledge and experience of the seas and tidal currents here are phenomenal. He told us the exact moment to get into the water and guided us along the way with his boat. We reached the exact location on the beach he said we would. We could not have done it without him and also the dream team at K A Adventure Sports.
“As well as providing safety cover with a support boat, Kevin and Gill from KA helped us train week in and week out as we’ve prepared for the swim in all weathers. Their team in the boat also gave live updates to online supporters during our swim. They’re amazing!
“It was an emotional moment to arrive on the beach where there was quite the welcoming party of family and friends - and to feel sand beneath our feet. It was a moment I will never forget. I’m so proud of us – and I know my mum would be, too.
“My sister Katherine had even made us a special booby cake to celebrate the occasion and our topless swim! We would like to thank everyone who has donated and for all the well wishes literally from around the world – as well as our special community here. The support and love from people has been incredible and very humbling.”
Fundraising milestone
The group completed the swim in one hour 13 minutes and have raised over £9,000 for Hospice Care North Northumberland so far, hoping to break the £10,000 milestone. The swimmers were due to take on the challenge on Tuesday, but changing weather conditions meant they had to bring the swim forward.
