MAKING A CASH SPLASH FOR WOODEN SPOON
So near yet so far - valiant TNT swimmers beaten by the elements
The brave TNT 'shore-to-shore we can' Channel swimmers were just four miles from the French coast when appalling conditions forced the abandonment of the swim late this afternoon (13th September).
TNT's Magnificent Seven of Daniel Vines, Owen Maybank, Simon Bradbury, Heather Mather, Jon Straw, Julian Crabtree and Steve Foster had already swum 29 miles when English Channel Swimming officials refused to take them any further as atrocious weather rendered the bid both futile and dangerous.
The team had made remarkable progress covering more than the actual 23-mile stretch between Folkestone and Cap Griz Nez beach near Calais, due to having to go with the currents and flows and avoid busy shipping lanes.
An hour-by-hour blog charting the trials and tribulations of the plucky TNT team is available detailing the hardship and horrors endured throughout the day with sea sickness rife throughout the team as their boat was battered by high winds on 'choppy' seas.
Peter Bakker CEO of TNT NV sent personal messages of encouragement and consolation both during and at the conclusion of the courageous attempt describing the attempt as 'unbelievably gripping stuff' and expressing his admiration for the swimmers.
Tom Bell, Regional Managing Director for TNT Express Services UK & Ireland was on hand to greet the swimmers had they made it to French soil. He instead, drove back to Folkestone to express his pride at the gallant attempt and personally congratulate the team for their endeavours.
The children's charity Wooden Spoon offered their gratitude to the swimmers and said they had every reason to be 'incredibly proud' having more than swum the 23-mile distance on the day.
The hope now is that everyone who has been kind enough to make a donation or pledge support to the swim will see fit to honour that commitment and enable Daniel, Owen, Simon, Heather, Jon, Julian and Steve to still give well over £16,000 to Wooden Spoon to help youngsters who are disadvantaged mentally, physically and socially.
Please donate using the link http://www.justgiving.com/shoretoshore with all funds going to the children's charity Wooden Spoon.
The English Channel is one of the most dangerous stretches of water because of the busy shipping lanes, jellyfish, pollution and debris and the courageous swimmers are steeling themselves for what promises to be the challenge of a life time. View latest information and whereabouts of the swimmers.
Swimmers Blogs
Jon Straw
Steve Foster
Owen Maybank
Heather Mather
Simon Bradbury
Charles Cartier
Daniel Vines
If you to support the brave swimmers in their bid to reach their charity goal please donate online at www.justgiving.com/shoretoshore
TNT's "Magnificent Seven" (L-R) Simon Bradbury, Owen Maybank, Daniel Vines, Heather Mather, Steve Foster, Jon Straw and Charles Cartier