Abbey Gate College PE Teacher’s Channel Swim  in aid of Cancer Research UK

27 Nov 2018

Sophia Storrar, a PE teacher at Abbey Gate College successfully swam the English Channel in a team relay to raise money for Cancer Research UK. Smashing her £2000 target, Sophia raised nearly £4000.

The team of three swimmers completed the crossing in 11 hours and 58 minutes supported by pilot boat, Rowena. The Dover Strait is renowned for having strong tidal flows and the high water Spring tide of 7.1m certainly added to the challenge!

Sophia took on the Channel challenge to raise funds to help improve cancer treatments and in memory of her best friend, Pip and all those who have battled cancer.

In preparation for her cross-Channel swim, Sophia trained across the globe in oceans, seas, rivers, quarries, lakes and pools, both day and night, sometimes in temperatures below 7°C.

Sophia said: “I loved every minute of the preparation and the challenge itself. My teammates Neil Stewart and Dawn Llewellyn were the best teammates I could have asked for and thanks to the support of Bransby MacDonald-Williams on the boat as well as our skippers, Peter Senior and Junior, the crossing was a huge success. Our families and employers have been very patient and supportive. Thank you to all who sponsored the cause, one that is sadly touching all of our lives in some way.”