Channel swimmers from around the world have been giving the North Channel a go at it all summer long.
But few, if any, train for the mighty North Channel in a river far inland from the sea like Brenda Norman (44, Australia, MSF bio here).
Her success yesterday in the 14.6°C water between The Gobbins in Northern Ireland and near Portpatrick in Scotland was guided by infinity pilot Jack Boyle, and witnessed by her mother and sister and her father (on land).
A day later, her achievement of her gutsy 10 hour 22 minute crossing was celebrated by the Donaghadee Chunky Dunkers [shown with Anne McGimpsey below on left] and commemorated on the wall at Pier 36 in Donaghadee the day later.
Norman, a teacher by profession, swims on behalf of Channel 4 Change, a Deniliquin [Australia]-based initiative she founded to support youth mental health and wellbeing in her region. The funds she has raised goes towards training, resources and campaigns that make it easier to connect with help.
She explains her initiative and her success above in a fascinating interview near Donaghadee Harbour.
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