On 15^th August, Paul Parrish, Aspire’s Director of Fundraising and Marketing, successfully swam across the Channel for a second time in a time of 16 hours 13 minutes. In completing the swim he has raised over £16,000 for the spinal injury charity Aspire for whom he is the Fundraising and Marketing Director.

“I felt that this swim was unfinished business” said Paul when asked why he wanted to swim the 22 mile stretch of water again. “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 assisted in his attempt by Philip and Dirk, Channel soloists and volunteers for Aspire, as well as his partner Anna. The crew were responsible for ensuring Paul was given as much nutrition as possible, a huge challenge as he was not allowed to touch the boat at any point. For the first six hours swimming conditions were very poor and Paul admitted that he considered throwing in the towel.  However, as conditions improved Paul’s energy levels began to drop.  In a rare intervention he found himself surrounded by a pod of dolphins who swam around him.

“It was an extraordinary display” recounts Paul. “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.”

This gave Paul the lift he needed.  Battling very strong tides he finally landed at Wissant Bay at 6.45pm, having begun 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, says “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." 

Sponsor Paul

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