A relay team of six Nottingham swimmers, along with with one support swimmer, set out on Friday 24 June for the challenge of a life time as they attempted a two way English Channel swim.

The University of Nottingham students swam a total of 72 miles, in an attempt to raise £10,000 for Teenage Cancer Trust after one of their team members friend’s was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at a young age.

The team was made up of Joshua Harridine, 21, Alex Thurston, 35, James Bull, 20, Alex Kirtley, 20, Mary Heartshorne, 22, Hayden Ball, 20 and Rebecca Dutfield, 19 (reserve swimmer).

After the swim Josh Harridine said: “The opening eight to nine hours were unbelievably choppy with waves as big as 2 meters. All but one member of the team was ill, we were all exhausted and unable to recover after our swims. Those first few hours could have broken us, but it’s a testament to the strength of character and tenacity of the squad that they didn’t.

“Without the support crew I doubt we’d have made it half way to Calais. It was definitely a challenge but I’m so proud of the team for what we have achieved. From the whole squad it goes without saying that we are beyond proud to represent our friend and Teenage Cancer Trust.”

Despite two meter swells and rough weather conditions, the team beat their estimated time, completing the swim in 24 hours and 15 minutes.

They have raised over £3,000 so far, and Santander have agreed to match their total sum.