For more than 25 years Aspire has been encouraging swimmers to swim 22 miles, the distance of the English Channel, in their local pool over 12 weeks to fundraise to support people with Spinal Cord Injury. Millions have been raised as swimmers have clocked up the lengths and notched up the miles as they head for France in this virtual challenge.  

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Traditionally the challenge has taken place from September to December, making it difficult for open water swimmers in the UK to achieve the distance before the water temperature drops.

In 2025 the Aspire Channel Swim is launching early, to allow open water swimmers the opportunity to take part. Registration opened at the beginning of June so swimmers can start logging their swims immediately to start their virtual journey across the Channel.

As further encouragement, Aspire has added the option of the outdoor swimmers’ favourite - a woven badge - to the traditional medal, awarded for reaching a fundraising target of £40.

Swimmers who are looking for a fitness challenge, or something to motivate them to keep swimming outdoors this summer can commit to 11, 22 or 44 miles over 12 weeks in the Aspire Channel Swim Challenge, while raising funds to help people paralysed by Spinal Cord Injury.

Paul Parrish, Aspire’s Director of Fundraising and Marketing says, “The Aspire Channel Swim first took place in 1999 to help encourage people to use their pools and maintain healthy swimming habits.  This year we are delighted to be expanding the challenge to include open water swimmers as since 2009 Aspire has led the way in open water swimming within the charity sector. Every two hours in the UK someone is paralysed by a spinal cord injury. Since 1999 the challenge has raised over £7.5 million to help Aspire support people with spinal injuries move from injury to independence.

Sign up to the Aspire Channel Swim