Northampton colleague completes wild swimming challenge in aid of two charities

Northampton partner Mel Chell completed what can only be described as a truly epic challenge for two charities this summer.

As Mel explained ‘I started wild swimming four years ago and having found a real passion for outdoor swimming, I felt ready to really challenge myself this year! I attempted to swim the English Channel in a relay (four person) in July but we had to turn back as one of the team members became extremely ill. (We will conquer this one another time). However the real challenge came when I swam the 11 mile length of Windermere on 2 September 2018! No wetsuit – just me and the 15/16 degree water.

I was raising money for two small charities supported by the AFPA (Asset Finance Professionals Association) this year. One is St Giles Parents Association a small school for severely disabled children who are trying to raise money for a sensory garden and the other Partnership for Children which promotes the mental health and emotional wellbeing of children around the world. I am certain that every penny I raise will make a huge impact on these worthy charities and will also help me to ‘just keep swimming’’.

Mel completed the Windermere in 7 hours and 55 minutes which gives you just a small idea of the physical and mental endurance she demonstrated to complete her wild swimming challenge.