After months of cold-water training, early mornings, and sheer determination, our very own Dave McGinn, CEO SME at Daisy, has completed a relay swim across the English Channel in aid of the spinal injury charity Aspire.
Dave and his five teammates battled sub-17°C waters without wetsuits, jellyfish stings, unpredictable tides, and the constant buzz of ships passing through one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. Swimming in hour-long shifts, the team reached the French coast in 12 hours and 26 minutes — a whole 90 minutes ahead of their predicted time.
“The Channel tested us physically and mentally,” Dave said. “From battling waves to a seal that followed us for hours, it was as much about resilience and teamwork as it was about swimming. But every stroke was worth it, knowing it would help Aspire continue its life-changing work for people with spinal injuries.”
Aspire provides housing, equipment, and vital support for people living with spinal cord injuries, helping them to live independently. Thanks to the generosity of supporters, Dave is now approaching the £5,000 fundraising mark — but there’s still time to donate.
The journey wasn’t without drama. The original swim date was delayed due to bad weather, a choppy night attempt forced the team to restart, and navigating the shipping lanes felt, in Dave’s words, “like crossing the M25 on a scooter during rush hour.”
Despite it all, the team’s spirits stayed high — helped along by flapjacks, plenty of banter, and the sight of France getting closer with every stroke.
Dave’s already eyeing up his next challenge (a marathon or maybe even one on roller skates), but for now, he’s taking time to celebrate this incredible achievement.
You can support Dave’s fundraising for Aspire here: https://lnkd.in/exkkbCtN
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