A TEAM of long-distance swimmers raised more than £3,000 for a charity which helps those with disabilities, conditions and mental health struggles get into the water.
The team – called the Jersey Jelly Tots – swam a relay around the Island in 11 hours and 45 minutes – after thinking that bad conditions might stop them from starting at all. The group presented £3,580 to Healing Waves, which swimmer Ailie Brown described as “amazing”.
Ms Brown was joined on the team by her daughter Zoe Spencer, her partner’s sister Sadie Picot, friends from a Sunday swimming group Ann Pallett and Nicky Holgate-Smith, and her partner’s cousin Julia Aston – a strong UK-based swimmer who was given the most difficult section.
The charity had particular resonance for the team, as it supports swimmer Ms Pallett’s son Ryan.
Ms Brown said that after completing a Jersey-to-France swim three years ago, “it was decided we need a new challenge”.
With a large swell and strong currents, the situation was “touch-and-go” about whether they would be able to go ahead.
They were joined by support crew Neil Faudemer, Fred Maynard, Ian Picot, and John Le Signe and captain Karen Wasilewski.
Ms Brown said that Ms Holgate-Smith went first and immediately came up against swell from a DFDS ferry, but conditions improved. Ms Brown added that a particularly proud moment came when watching her daughter swim the section around St Catherine.
“The highlight [was] the whole team getting together,” Ms Brown said. “It was really, really, really good.”
For a couple of days after the swim, Ms Brown said, everything felt like it was rocking from side to side.
“You think ‘I’m only swimming for two hours’ but it takes it out of you.”
