This event has finished and no longer accepts donations.
Tuesday 15th August 2023
UK
401
2018 marked our swim group founder, Lionel Spittle's 65th birthday and sadly 5 years since losing his wife Linda to a brain tumour, so to both celebrate and commemorate he decided to take on a personal "65 challenge" to raise money for the Brain Tumour Charity.
Thanks to the generosity of friends and family he managed to raise in excess of £5000.
Inevitably he was asked if he would be doing a "66 challenge"..... Lionel declined, but said he would do a "70 challenge"
And so it began...
From a very early age Lionel always dreamt of swimming the English Channel but with swimming not being his strongest discipline he decided that a relay would be the ideal challenge. If only he could find 3 other swimmers to join him, he thought he would struggle.... but the response from his Swim buddies was amazing (one of which has been swimming with him for over 30 years) resulting in us now having TWO teams of 4, Brainwaves and Team BCH with ages ranging from 30 - 70.
One of our team mates Caroline Jones has a young daughter, Isabel who at the age of 15 was discovered to have 3 tumours on her brain and was eventually diagnosed with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NOMSD) the treatment and care she has received from the Birmingham Children's Hospital has been tremendous
We will be splitting all money raised equally between The Brain tumour charity and Birmingham Children's Hospital
So, in August this year we will be attempting TWO relay Channel swims and just to spice it up one of the teams will be hoping to make the Guinness book of world records with the oldest combined mixed relay team of 4.
raised of £10,000 target
by 554 supporters
This event has finished and no longer accepts donations.
Caroline Jones
Well done Caroline and team Brainwaves team_BCH on your Channel relay Sweeny Todd’s barbershop Chasetown from customers and staff
Annie Wade
You are all amazing for what you did And rising money for this amazing charity’s is just so king Be very proud of what you all did X x x
Jason
WOW - absolutely amazing effort and such worthwhile causes!
Serina
Well done for supporting such a worthy cause - you are all simply fantastic
Anonymous
well done!
Dave Austwick
Central baths user only heard about your challenge on BBCmidlands News.
Sam Rock + friend, Irene Davie & Maureen Keenham
Well done everyone - amazing achievement!
Elaine, John & Ben
Congratulations to you all, a fantastic achievement.
Anonymous
Well done all swimmers a fantastic achievement
Charlie & Wayne
Well done David & team , fantastic achievement and for great charities . See you in the swimming pool again soon x
Peter Horton
Well done Simon and the rest of all the fellow swimmers, you all should be very proud of your achievement 👏 👍
David Finney
Congratulations to both teams for successfully completing the crossing.
Anonymous
Great effort everyone
Karen & John Cruxton
Well done Rocky, so proud of you on your achievement. 😊👏🏻🏊♂️
Bec W
Amazing achievement!! Well done to you all. Have a well deserved rest now
malcolm whale
congratulations on a magnificent achievement malcolm whale collins aerospace wolverhampton
Stuart Armitage
Well done Kevin. The lengths you'll go to just to get away from the wife and kids for a few days... Seriously though: amazing effort, well done.
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Fliss DG
Congratulations Team, well done to you all. Best wishes from Fliss and Paul (Pillaton swimmers)
Pillaton and Cafe on the beach
Well done to team Brainwaves and good luck to team BCH for their swim.
Joe, Emma, Talei and Adi
Good luck Paul and team. Wishing you all the best from Vietnam x
Anonymous
Wishing you a huge congratulation on your big win.
Anonymous
Joe and Sue Meanley
Well done Lonel and the team. A great achievement 👏
Pete Baker
Congratulations what an achievement and record holders too ! Seriously well done
Anonymous
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Ruth Hoult
Congratulations Lionel and team!! Smashed it, inspiring stuff xx
claire eveson
Congratulations, what an achievement. Good luck to the next group.
Mark Wright
I've given what I can Lionel. Having not worked since being ill I have to be prudent. You are an amazing person and it's a pleasure to know you mate. Really well done. 💯😁💙
Linda Pringis
Massive congratulations to you all. Absolutely fabulous!
Anonymous
Good Luck to all the team.
Nikki Guidotti
Bloody brilliant!! So proud of you Di and the team!! Xx
Sadie Turner
So so proud of you all and everything you’ve worked towards to get here. Tracking you all the way. Almost there!!!!
Ingrid Lackajis
Absolutely amazing - well done for even starting, keep going - not far now!
Richard Harbron
Janet and I are in awe of this incredible feat and the teams determination to make it happen.
Alex Cooper
Wishing you all the very best for your incredible challenge. You are a group of truly wonderful and inspirational people.
Anonymous
Good Luck Caroline and team ❤️
Homestead Willenhall
Good luck Caroline and all the team. Safe crossing to you all It will be a fantastic achievement. Sievo and Marie, Dave and Sue Sirett, Trevor and Marg Moore, Dave, Handley Pete Rogers, Pete Rowlands, Mick and Dave Philips, Martin Jacks
The Dyers
Good luck @brainwavesTeamBCH. Swim strong, swim safe, get your French pebble. We'll be tracking you x
Steph Onions
Good luck to you all! I think you are all incredible for doing this challenge.
Anonymous
Good luck and I hope YOUNG guys and ladies do well :)
Lisa Johnson
Good luck team. We will be tracking you & there in spirit with you. Lisa, Steve & Harriet xxx
The Andersons
Good luck to the whole team, we think you are amazing!
Hayley and Andy Jarvis
Lionel and all the team you are all heros for stepping up for this epic challenge. We've been in awe following your journey. Swim safely and enjoy the experience. X
The Hirani family
Best of luck Diane & the team. It’s a great cause and we are all rotting for you xx
The Cotton Family
Really good luck Diane and team, and well done for raising so much money for such a brilliant cause, you’re all amazing! Will be thinking of you all the way, Karen, James, Reuben, Alex and Tom Xxx
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John Enefer
Good luck all a cause very close to our hearts Go smash it Dianne and team
Tiffany
Good luck Caroline. I hope all have a great time doing your Channel Relay 🏊🏼♂️
Lynette
All the best Lionel and Team. You are a true inspiration to us all. We will be thinking of you today. Enjoy this amazing experience. Love to all 🏊♂️ 💗
Anonymous
Good luck tonight, Love Helen (instructor) Central xx
Carl morgan
Lionel and the team all the very best for the swim we both know you guys will smash it! Trish & carl
Nina Sigley
Good luck Caroline - the boys will be cheering you on !!! Xx
Ann-Marie Gazzard
Good luck! Hope the swims happen soon and you get to celebrate the birthday and achievements.
Sheena & Alan HH
Good luck Martyn and all the team . Hope the weather is kind for your swim 🤗. Xx
Anonymous
Good luck David, Lionel and the rest of the team x
Kristen Lackajis
So excited for you! I know you'll all smash it! Can't wait to swim with you Caroline and Diane! :)
David Partridge
Have a great swim guys, I amk sure all at Chelmarsh are behind you!
Deborah Arnott
Congratulations and loads of luck - amazing achievement and experience
Chloe & Tom
Lionel I still think you’re crazy but such an inspiration to us all. Good luck Lionel & team x
Phil Evans
Good luck everyone, a great challenge for great causes. xx
Natasha Standley!
Paul your an inspiration mate! Go team - you’ll all smash it !!
Eleanor Ravai
Good Luck Paul and the team. The Ravai’s are all rooting for you
Mark Harris
Good effort, I tip my hat to each one of you from Queensland Australia 🇦🇺
Martyn
Shropshire Masters….. thanks Lionel. See you all in Dover. 🏊♂️🏊♀️🏊♂️🏊♀️ 🏊♂️🏊♂️🏊♂️🏊♂️
Bryn & Alex
Wishing you all the best Caroline and all the team x
Gaynor, and Katie
Good luck everyone! Stay safe. Fingers crossed for good weather.
Jason and Kate Boyce
Good luck Mr Rock and the rest of the team, bring it home 👍
Dave Wilkinson
Good luck all, great cause, hope you have a great time doing it too.
Terry
Caroline, I believe in you, you will do it. Good luck to you and all of the team. Stay safe Love Terry xx
Anonymous
Good Luck Caroline Regulars in the bar of the Homestead Willenhall.
Sarah
Good luck Di and the rest of the team, Best wishes from, Phil, Sarah, Millie and Harry x
Barbara Morey
Best of luck to Lionel and your team members. Safe trip and see you soon xx
Beth M
Good luck to you all! You’ve all trained so hard for this and it’s going to be an amazing achievement. All the best!
Ant Norton
Good luck to everyone involved, particularly Di, what an amazing feat!
David Stait
This will be the most unbelievable achievement for you all. I wish you well for two tremendous charities.
Duke of Cambridge Football card and Raffle
A big thank you to Chris, Gemma and all the locals at the Duke for your valued support. Simon and Heather Kimberley x
Debbie, Scott and Sam Folkes
Best of luck Lionel and his team members with your English Channel relay swim. You are all inspirational. Be safe and we look forward to hearing all about it when we see you next as a Guinness Book Record holder xx
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Good luck!
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Sharon kimberley
Good luck to everyone taking part wishing you well on your swim 🏊♂️
David Norman
Lionel looked after me when I first joined Wolves & Bilston and made me feel welcome, he’s been an absolute legend and achieved so much, although he’d always deny it
Anonymous
Good Luck
Nita
Good luck to Di and the team, it’s a fabulous cause but Di I stand by what I have always said - you’re nuts!!!
Imogen Jones
Want to wish you all the best of luck especially our mum Caroline. You’ve all trained so hard for this and its finally here. Well done. Lots of love Imogen, Jake, Isobel & Abel xxxx
Julia Kwiatkowski
Best of luck to you all, from Michael, Julia, Charlotte and Olivia.
Callum
Good luck Lionel and all of you Already done some amazing work training so impressed already! Cal, Han and Dylan
Sean Miller
Good Luck Lionel and team! Can’t say I’m gutted not to be joining you on this challenge - but I’m sure you’ll smash it!
Football card Stourbridge HF Walkers
Good luck with your relays May the Force be with you all 😉😉👍👍
Gunthers
Best of luck to Caroline and all of the team! An amazing challenge that you have all but so much into for brilliant challenges- good luck 👍🏻
Sue and Pat
Best wishes to you all for a successful event Total admiration for all of you
Lynn & Ant Powell
You are all phenomenal, your hard work is nearly over. Best wishes & good luck. All our love. The Powell Family xx❤️❤️
Pete Hood
Greatest respect to you all. Remember, teamwork makes the dream work!
Liz M
I know how dear to your heart this is Lional and I have no doubt you will put everything you have into it x
Vina Patel
Enjoy the experience. Much love and unwavering support to you all. xxxxx
Craig Edwards.. Black Country n Potteries Masters SC
Wishing you all the best guys !
Athene Brown .
To Lionel & rest of the channel swim team, I think that what you are all amazing for taking on this challenge for these worthy charities. Wishing you all the best. Let me know how it goes. You are so inspiring. ! I hope to do things like this. Love . Athene, Chris, Freya, Ralph & Rishi.Xxx
Claire Blakemore
Good luck everyone. A wonderful cause and fantastic challenge. Hope you smash it!
Steven Blakemore
Good luck guys. You’ve put the hours in cold water training. 🥶
Clare Whitney
You are such an inspiration. Two causes very close to my heart. Thank you all
Anonymous
Mandy Westwood
Good luck Dave and the rest of the team! We’re so proud of you! Love you lots!!!
Anonymous
Good luck to you guys!
Anonymous
Sarah Makin
The best of luck for your challenge, David and team! Sarah and Phil
Anonymous
Taylor Biddle Opticians
An amazing charity and fantastic team for the challenge! Good luck all - Taylor Biddle ♥️
Tom Green
Well done David and team, what an achievement and two fantastic causes! All the best, stay safe🏊♂️
Lesley Stamps
Good luck Lionel and team! Go smash it! Lesley, jez and boys xx
Rob Turner
Good Luck David and Team!! All the best, go and smash it but most of all enjoy it!
The Budgies
Best of luck Kev and teams. Extraordinary! Safe journey and may the wind be in your sails!
Anonymous
Good luck Caroline & team. Brilliant charities. Phil.
Rachael & Darren Leese
Good luck Caroline and team. Two very worthwhile causes. Go smash it will be thinking of you all 🏊♀️🏊♂️🏊
Gill H (HH)
Good luck to all for raising funds for two great charities . Have a great swim Martyn🤞
Gail HH
Good luck Mart and all the team . Wishing you a safe and successful swim. 🏊🏊♀️🏊🏊♀️🤗👏.
Cat
It's getting close now! Best of luck to both teams - you'll smash it 👊🏼
Sophia Winstanley
Go Caroline!! Thank you for everything you do. Good luck everyone.
Tony Cheema
The very best of luck to Lionel and the whole team. Very inspirational and great cause to raise money for.
Debbie Woodmass
Good luck to you all for the swim. Great cause and inspirational for all us swimmers at WVActive. Thanks Lionel for watching over us. 🏊🏊♂️🏊♀️
Anonymous
Pillaton charity swim
A massive thank you to everyone that supported our event
Alison Butcher
Good luck Lionel and team. It’s been amazing hearing about your adventures. Have fun, swim well and bring back a pebble. ☺️🙌
Ian Hansell
Best of luck Lionel and well done for raising money for such a great cause 🙏🙏
Beck, Darren & George
Wishing you all a safe swim. We are very proud of you dad and now your grandson has the same ambition to swim the Channel
Brig & Nick Brown
Good luck guys, hope all goes well and you achieve your goals & realise your dream of swimming the channel. Friends of Lionel & David
Oak park collection tins
Good luck Caroline from all Oak Park patrons and staff
Anonymous
Sue A
Good luck Di and team! A great cause and I hope it goes well
Anonymous
Good luck to everyone involved. Inspirational !
Sinead Partridge
In memory of my brother Sean who died of a brain tumour in 2013 -💕
Anonymous
Phillippa and John Cooper
Good luck team Lionel! You are all amazing.
Mary Solomon
Looks like the training is going well for your latest amazing challenge. Bravo!
Anonymous
Dawn Crowther
Fantastic challenge. Wonderful charities. Good luck all. Smash it! 💥 🙌🏼 💜 xxx
Anonymous
Easter raffle +football card staffs counties
Caroline and team wishing you all the best with your swim and fundraising
Iain Kenyon
Two amazing causes and a set of amazing people. All the best Iain (from early Bert’s)
Sandeep RANDHAWA
Good luck Lionel and team. Keep up the amazing job. You all are inspirational 👍
Surendra & Kokila Vaidya (Sunny Swimming)
Lionel, Martin, Dave & Paul. It is fantastic that you are all raising money for two amazing causes. What a wonderful achievement it will be swimming the english channel. I'm sure Linda will be looking from heaven cheering you on. I'm sure the weather and sea will be calm on the day. Good luck and best wishes.
Esther - Pillaton Hall Farm Swimmer
Caroline and team, good luck, you're amazing!
Rob B
Good luck Dave and the rest of the team I hope all goes well on the day
Tom Archer
I hope your garmin is working on the day Caroline good luck
Jo & Clive
Lionel go smash it you are an inspiration to us all. Good Luck x
Matt
Thank you for joining the quiz this evening. Get that World Record! M
Kerry & Gareth
Best of luck Lionel and the team. Sounds like quite a challenge! We know the Brain Tumour charity is very close to your heart and is such a worthy cause. Wishing you all well
Ian Hansell
Best of luck Lionel with your fundraising and the swim ! 🙏
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Wendy Andrews
Amazing 🤩 People you are just brilliant - will be tracking your journey 🏊♀️🏊♀️🏊♀️🏆
Mandy Garrott
Good Luck Diane, Caroline and the team. You're mad but inspirational. xx
Karl Armstrong
Hi Dave, Good luck with the swim and look forward to seeing the pics, lol
Anonymous
Jen Powell
I’m loving watching you train and getting ready for your swim. I know you will smash it!!
Steph Dyras
Wishing you all the very best for your epic challenge. The Brain Tumour Charity is especially close to my heart, having lost a very good friend to this cruel disease. Sending good wishes to you all.
Jan
Good luck Di and team-mates xx Such an amazing challenge and such worthy charities!
Anonymous
I have been purchasing swimming costumes from Allens of Kingsbury for many years and, when I read about your challenges in an email from them, I was moved to donate. Approaching 70 years of age myself, I would not relish a Channel Swim! Good luck to all involved.
Martin & Jayne
What an amazing challenge, for a great charity. Go Lionel! You and the team are gonna smash it. Wishing you all the very best of luck. 🏊♂️🏊♀️🏊🏊♂️🏊♀️🏊
Emma Taylor
Go Caroline and team, I admire you all so much, as a family we donate each year on our daughter Penny’s birthday in her memory as she was extremely well looked after at BCH this seems a fab cause this year ❤️
Lynn
Good luck Caroline and team. As your cousin I know once you set your mind to an endeavour you’re determined to succeed! Proud of you xx
Anonymous
Julia Condon
Have a great time all! You’ll be amazing and what a great cause.
D Hill
All the very best to you all, you're gonna smash it 💪🏊🏊♀️🏊♂️
Scott mckenzie
Our channel team ‘TACKSMEN’ salute you Lionel and co !! Go and smash it! Here’s a donation to help !!!
Maxine Sandland
Amazing challenge for great causes. I am in n awe even of the training you are doing let alone the challenge. I have no fohbt each and everyone of you will smash it. Stay warm x
Anonymous
All the best to Lionel and the team on your epic undertaking. I hope you are successful.
Amanda Dunning
Go Make History & Enjoy ! Fab charities proud of my Swimming Buddies
Justine Doody
Go smash it swim buddies. We are all so very proud of you 🏊♀️🏊♂️🏊♀️🏊♂️🏊♀️🏊♂️🏊♀️🏊♂️
Victoria Emery
Best of luck with the Channel swim- such an amazing thing to do xx
Lorraine Gorman
Good Luck Caroline and to you all 💦💪💗 x x I’m sure you will smash it x
Michelle
Carolime, you are amazing. Well done you all, enjoy the event.
adrian thomas
All the very best for this amazing challenge Knobby and friends
Keren Hodgson
Amazing!!! Good luck to Tucker and the team! Kez x x x
Paul Cox
Good luck all, phenomenal effort and something I can’t comprehend given multiple lengths of a pool is challenging. Hope you get good conditions on the day.
Anthea Jones
Good luck Diane and the rest of the team. From Russell, Anthea and Max Jones xx
Denise Robinson
Good Luck Lionel and to the rest of your team. Go smash it and enjoy the experience x
Laura Bentley
Good luck Lionel and Team, you’ll smash it I’m sure. From Laura @ Central Baths x
Chloe & Neil (Team Ballett)
What an awesome experience for you all. Enjoy and smash it 💥
Anna, Ant, Grace and Abi
Wishing you the best of luck! You are doing an incredible thing and for a great cause too x
Sheridan
Good Luck Swim Buddies !! You will be awesome 😍 Cheering for you all the way.
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Steve Ingleby
Another great challenge Lionel 👏 for 2 great charities. Age is just a number mate, you are a great inspiration to many people, and you're maturing like a very, very fine wine, even though you prefer your rum ! Keep up the training, and you and the 'team' will smash this.
Anonymous
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