A Stanmore-based fundraiser has successfully swum the English Channel for a second time, raising more than £16,000 for spinal injury charity Aspire.
On 15 August, Paul Parrish, Aspire’s Director of Fundraising and Marketing, completed the 22-mile crossing in 16 hours and 13 minutes.
“I felt that this swim was unfinished business,” said Paul. “In 2014 I swam the Channel wearing a wetsuit as part of the world’s hardest triathlon, The Arch to Arc. That was a run from Marble Arch to Dover, a swim across the Channel and culminating in a cycle ride to the Arc de Triomphe. The rules of the Arch to Arc allowed a wetsuit, but that is not recognised as an official Channel Swim. Over the years that began to niggle and so to mark my 60th birthday and my retirement, I felt it was fitting to make an official Channel solo crossing.”
Paul was supported by volunteers Philip and Dirk, as well as his partner Anna, who helped to keep him fuelled throughout the challenge. For the first six hours, swimming conditions were very poor and Paul admitted he considered giving up. Later, when his energy levels were dropping, he had an unexpected encounter.
“It was an extraordinary display,” he said. “I looked ahead of me to see a dolphin breaking the water right in front of me. Then I was aware that they were swimming underneath me. It was wonderful.”
Encouraged by the dolphins, Paul pushed on and eventually landed at Wissant Bay at 6.45pm, having started his swim at 2.30am.
“Stepping clear of the water was one of the best moments of my life. I was exhausted, cold but exhilarated. I am delighted to have raised so much money for the charity I have worked for these last 13 years. It’s also been hugely emotional. I cannot get over the support and generosity that I have received from so many people – and also dolphins!”
Brian Carlin, Aspire’s CEO, said: “We are in awe that Paul has once again undertaken such a massive challenge for Aspire. The £16,000 he has raised so far will help us continue to support people with Spinal Cord Injury. We are immensely grateful for everything he has done during his time at Aspire.”
Donations to support Paul’s swim and Aspire’s work can be made through his fundraising page.
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