Sidmouth swimmer to take on cross-channel challenge of a lifetime

A Sidmouth swimmer has announced he is taking on the challenge of a lifetime by entering a cross-channel relay, all to raise money for charity.

Members of the relay team will endure the cold waters of the English Channel during spring tide, when currents will be at their strongest, making a difficult task even tougher.

Marcus Bennett is an accomplished swimmer, who sea swims all year round and can often be spotted swimming just off the coast of Sidmouth.

He has taken part in a number of Open Water competitive events including the River Dart 10k, Lyme Bay and Sidmouth.

Trish Mansell is heading up the relay team, which will consist of herself, Captain James Wadsworth, Lucas Tompkins, Marcus Bennett, Dave Jarman and Chris Macneill.

Their swim number is CSA2019/265 and they will be piloted by Stuart Gleeson in his boat Sea Leopard.

The relay swim will take place between September 6 and 12, just before a solo swim by Gloucester-based swimmer Kevin Proctor.

The event is backed by Zone3, Europe's award-winning triathlon kit brand.

Both swims are recognised by the Channel Swimming Association (CSA) and supporters will be able to track the progress of them, live through the CSA website.

Together, the solo and relay swims aim to raise £50,000 for the Felix Fund, a charity which helps bomb disposal experts and their dependents by providing welfare and financial support.

The swim is just one of various Captain James Wadsworth Challenges, in which participants push themselves to their limits by swimming, cycling and running in endurance events.

Capt. Wadsworth enlisted in the army in 1995, was part of the Explosive Ordnance Display (OED) unit and was posted to Northern Ireland, Afghanistan and Iraq. In 2008, he received the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross.

To find out more about the challenge and to donate click the big red button below.