Karen Ellis completed a tough 21-hour crossing of the Molokai Channel this morning, escorted by Manoa Buckman.

Tough as nails, there was no way that she was not going to complete the 42 km crossing that was performed on behalf of Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, one of Europe’s biggest and busiest children’s hospitals where the staff treats everything from common illnesses to highly complex and specialist conditions.

While the 51-year-old has completed a number of swims – from Ice Miles to the English Channel – her ultimate goal is to become the first British woman to achieve the Oceans Seven and raise £100,000 for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

With the Molokai Channel, Strait of Gibraltar, North Channel, and English Channel already done, Ellis only has to complete crossings of the Tsuguru Channel and the Cook Strait to achieve the Oceans Seven.

She explains her goals, “Over recent years my mental health has really suffered as a result of personal loss.  I was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and have been on a bit of a journey to get well.  Open water swimming and fundraising have formed a big part of my recovery.  

I was looking round for something I could do to raise money for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and remembered I used to like swimming as a kid.  I started swimming at a local pool. I’m a little like the aquatic version of Forrest Gump.  

The positivity that fundraising for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital has bought to my life is incredible.”

 To donate, visit here.

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