May 15th 2008
Sixteen-year-old Plymouth College swimming scholar, Sophie Collier, swam the English Channel just before Christmas...in the school swimming pool!
The sixth form student swam 22 miles (35.2km), the distance across the Channel at its narrowest point, in 10 hours and 20 minutes. She started at 7a.m. and, to the cheers of friends from Plymouth College and Plymouth Leander Swimming Club, kept on going until 5.20pm.
Sophie, who won a bronze medal in the 5km race at this year's British Swimming Championships, said she had long held an ambition to swim the English Channel. However, the task was not a simple one to organise due to time, logistics and support boats. So, with a busy school and swimming timetable to fulfil, she settled for a pool swim covering the same distance.
In order to give it some meaning and worth, Sophie started a sponsorship appeal. At the time of the swim just under £1,000 had been pledged. The money will be split between the cancer care unit at Derriford Hospital and a new health centre being built in the Gambia by Plymouth College pupils. Sophie helped with the Gambian appeal in September, and she also carries out voluntary work at Derriford Hospital as part of her Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme activities.
Sophie said she was delighted to have completed the difficult challenge. "It was hard going and after about 15 miles I was feeling really sore," she said. "I was joined then by some friends who kept me going, so thanks to them. I also want to thank everyone who supported me through the sponsorship appeal.
“I’m really pleased I finished the distance. I never knew I could talk to myself for so long, about all sorts of rubbish, but it kept me going. I'm happy I've done it but I won't be rushing to swim the real Channel now for a few years yet!"
For further information please contact Stephi Baker on 01752 203241
The sixth form student swam 22 miles (35.2km), the distance across the Channel at its narrowest point, in 10 hours and 20 minutes. She started at 7a.m. and, to the cheers of friends from Plymouth College and Plymouth Leander Swimming Club, kept on going until 5.20pm.
Sophie, who won a bronze medal in the 5km race at this year's British Swimming Championships, said she had long held an ambition to swim the English Channel. However, the task was not a simple one to organise due to time, logistics and support boats. So, with a busy school and swimming timetable to fulfil, she settled for a pool swim covering the same distance.
In order to give it some meaning and worth, Sophie started a sponsorship appeal. At the time of the swim just under £1,000 had been pledged. The money will be split between the cancer care unit at Derriford Hospital and a new health centre being built in the Gambia by Plymouth College pupils. Sophie helped with the Gambian appeal in September, and she also carries out voluntary work at Derriford Hospital as part of her Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme activities.
Sophie said she was delighted to have completed the difficult challenge. "It was hard going and after about 15 miles I was feeling really sore," she said. "I was joined then by some friends who kept me going, so thanks to them. I also want to thank everyone who supported me through the sponsorship appeal.
“I’m really pleased I finished the distance. I never knew I could talk to myself for so long, about all sorts of rubbish, but it kept me going. I'm happy I've done it but I won't be rushing to swim the real Channel now for a few years yet!"
For further information please contact Stephi Baker on 01752 203241
