Jack Dobson has spent the past few months preparing to take on one of the world’s toughest open-water swims to raise vital funds for Newlife.
Although his swim across the North Sea is dependent on the weather, it’s expected to take place during the second week of August and the non-stop crossing is expected to take between nine and 18 hours and will be completed without a wetsuit.
As well as formidable conditions during the crossing, including rough water, waves between one and two metres high and temperatures of 11 to 14 degrees, Jack will also have marine life to contend with. This includes regular encounters with swarms of venomous Lion’s Mane jellyfish, which can deliver extremely painful stings.
Although the stretch of water is 34.5km (21 miles) at its shortest, brutal tides and strong currents mean the swim can be closer to an exhausting 45km (28 miles). However, Jack is undaunted. He has already completed a six-hour qualifying swim in 12-degree water and is training intensively, swimming five times a week. Endurance swims at weekends are as far as 25-30km.
The fundraising challenge is especially close to home for Jack, whose mum, Karen Dobson, is Newlife’s consultant nurse. She has worked for the charity for more than 30 years and helped create services for disabled children and their parents and carers. Karen was instrumental in launching Newlife’s grants for specialist wheelchairs, buggies, beds and car seats, as well as emergency equipment loans and play therapy services. Karen also helps to run Newlife’s Nurse Helpline.
Jack said: “I want to do this not just for the challenge, but to support children who face far bigger challenges every day. I know from my mum what a big difference fundraising for Newlife can make to disabled children and their parents and carers.
“Across the UK, many disabled children face waits of months or years for assessments and essential equipment – or the equipment they need isn’t provided by health and social care services, leaving parents and carers with no option but to turn to charities like Newlife for help.”
In the last financial year alone, Newlife provided 796 equipment grants, delivered more than 15,000 instances of support to families across the UK through its nursing service, and issued 28 emergency equipment loans.
When the ocean’s conditions are at their worst, Jack says he will be focused on the help his fundraising can provide for disabled children.
This is where the bigger purpose comes in. Every donation, no matter how big or small, will help Newlife continue to provide disabled children with the support they urgently need.
JACK
To support Jack’s North Channel swim to raise funds for Newlife, please visit www.justgiving.com/page/jack-dobson-2
Ways you can get involved:
If swimming the North Sea isn’t for you but you want to show your support for Newlife there are other ways you can get involved:
- Volunteer
- Take part in an event or challenge
- Community fundraising