John's Swim
On 22/08/2008 I was lucky enough to see John complete his swim across the English the channel.
Alisons boat "Rocco" French Shores
I first met john when he replied to a plea that I put out on the channel swimmers website, asking if anyone needed any crew or a support swimmer. After that we met up at the swimming club in Dover and had a swim together. John is faster than I am but very kindly swam a little slower for me im sure to make me feel better.
We kept in contact and when he got his call from his pilot, he let me know and I met him and his trusty crew at the docks.
The swim started at 2am from Shakespere beach in Dover. We met up in the carpark at 1am and made our way to a boat called Roco, which is owned by queen of the channel (Alison Streeter).
We set off out of the harbour in the dark and made our way on the 35 minute journey to the starting point. The sea was very rough and yu couldnt stand up on the boat. At the starting point we met up with several other boats that were also being tossed about like play things. John said his goodbyes and swum to shore.
John And Megan before Stunning view from boat
He then set off an what was to be a fantastic and insperational swim accres the channel.
He got on with it with no complaining even when his chocolate miniroll floated away from his feeding pole which much have been gutting.
I jumped in to help him to push that bit harder when he needed to make the tide coming into French waters, and he did, catching the tide in time which was going to help steer him towards his finishing point.
At the end I got the green light to get back in from the observer, just to give him that final push. I think getting in confirmed for John how close he was and he put on such a sprint I almost had trouable keeping up with him. We then swum up an to the beach together where he walked clear of the water and raised his hands.
I hadn't swum the channel and it was an amazing feeling for me so I cant imagine what it meant to John. After collecting a few pebbles and a well done hug we headed back to the boat where he had a lond deserved rest.
Well done mate!!!!