TWO Teignbridge swimming friends have been in serious training to take on a Channel relay challenge in aid of Mencap.
Claire Twitchin and her friend Liz will next Thursday, September 7, be taking on the 2023 Mencap Marvels Relay Channel Swim.
Claire says: ‘Having recently completed a double channel swim in a pool, myself and Liz felt that the next step was to take on an even bigger challenge – the actual English Channel, raising money for such a deserving charity.
‘This is not something that Liz and myself have taken on lightly and we both understand what an enormous challenge and commitment this is!
‘Hence, outside of school, where we both work, a lot of our time is devoted to swimming, training and fundraising! We are very grateful to our colleagues of Gatehouse Primary Academy (at Dawlish) who are supporting our fundraising by taking part in the Plymouth Running Festival ~ 5k/10k/Half Marathon.
‘Please support us in our journey ahead which will in turn, help more people with a learning disability to shine!
‘Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure.
‘Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
‘An absolutely unforgettable experience’ is how Claire described their recent training swim at night.
She said: ‘Huge thanks to Teignmouth Harbour Commission who kept us safe on our recent night swim.
‘We are beyond grateful to Will Burton, Matt Moses, Charlie Woolnough and Patrick Twitchin for giving up their time and keeping eyes on at all times to allow us the opportunity to practise our night swims in relay style, an absolutely unforgettable experience.’
You can back their cause by visiting their Justgiving page at
Claire adds: ‘The biggest thanks goes to our amazing sponsors, who have made this all happen for us.
‘We are beyond grateful to Lady's Mile Holiday Park, Dart & Partners, Oyster&Pop, The Podiatry Clinic, The Brass Teignmouth, Submariner, MRJ Landscapes, Teign Tutoring Shoe Centre, Eminence A Touch of Magic, Billy Twitchin Hair, Paul Hudson PT/F20, Teign Canteen / The Blue Hut Teignmouth, Steven Dorey Vehicle Repair Centre, Armada Property UK, Gravity Scaffolding #mencapmarvels.
So far by today, Thursday, they have raised £1,687 which is 84 per cent of their target.