On 3rd August, brave Nurse Annie Shotton took on the challenge of a lifetime and completed her swim of the English Channel.
This swim was a whole 2.5 years in the making, with Annie training extremely hard to ensure she was prepared both physically and mentally. Setting off from Samphire Hoe Beach in Dover at 6am, it took her 12 hours, 45 minutes to complete the 40km distance across the channel. The weather was sunny and breezy and the conditions a little choppy, but nothing could deter this wonder-woman from completing her mission!
Annie undertook the swim in order to fundraise for the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton, via BSUH Charity — the hospital’s dedicated charity. She has worked as a nurse at the hospital for nearly 15 years and is incredibly passionate about raising funds to directly benefit the children that visit.
She has truly captured the hearts of both her colleagues at UHSussex and the wider community with her enthusiasm
and drive, and donations to her fundraising page have been pouring in. She has ‘sailed’ past her initial fundraising target of £5k and, at the time of writing, is approaching the £15k mark! Annie said:
“I have been totally overwhelmed by the support, encouragement and donations from far and wide! I had such a brilliant day on the swim and I’m so thankful that such a great amount of cash was raised. I can’t wait to see all the good that it’s going to do!”
This is such an incredible achievement and will make a huge difference to those who visit and work at the Alex — well done and a massive thank you to Annie.
To contribute to Annie’s fundraising campaign, donate here: http://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/channelswimmingmum
OR
TEXT BIGSWIM to 70085 to donate £5
