Making Waves for Change: Jacquelyn's Channel Swim Challenge

 
 

Breaking Barriers, One Stroke at a Time

"When somebody tells me I cannot do something, that's when I do it… People said women couldn't swim the Channel, but I proved they could." – Gertrude Ederle, 1925

Nearly 100 years ago, Gertrude Ederle shattered expectations and made history as the first woman to conquer the English Channel – not only succeeding where others said she'd fail, but doing it faster than any of the five men who had gone before her.

This September, Jacquelyn Schirmer will follow in those legendary wake lines, taking on the same treacherous 21-mile crossing that has defeated countless swimmers. But Jacquelyn isn't just swimming for personal glory – she's swimming to give hundreds of children their first chance to learn something Gertrude took for granted: how to swim.

The Challenge That Changes Everything

The English Channel is one of the world's most demanding open water swims. Freezing temperatures, unpredictable currents, jellyfish, and exhaustion that pushes the human body to its absolute limits. Only 1 in 10 attempts succeed.

But here's what makes this swim truly extraordinary: every stroke Jacquelyn takes will help a child learn to swim for the very first time.

Donate now

Your Impact: From Survival to Dreams

Right now, hundreds of children in The Happy Baby Community have never had access to swimming lessons. For them, water isn't about fun or fitness – it's a barrier, a fear, a missed opportunity.

Your donation changes that instantly:

  • £25 provides one child with their first swimming lesson

  • £50 gives a child a month of weekly lessons

  • £100 covers a full learn-to-swim course for one child

  • £250 sponsors swimming lessons for an entire family

When you support Jacquelyn's swim, you're not just backing an incredible athletic feat – you're giving children the gift of confidence, safety and the pure joy of moving through water without fear.

Join Jacquelyn's Journey

This September, as Jacquelyn battles the waves between England and France, she'll be carrying the hopes of hundreds of children who dream of learning to swim. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to a community where every child has the chance to be safe, confident, and free in the water.

Ready to make waves?

Follow Jacquelyn's training journey and swim day updates. Together, we're not just crossing a channel – we're building bridges to brighter futures.