We sponsor record-breaking Channel swim by limbless veteran team
We sponsor record-breaking Channel swim by limbless veteran team
The only all-amputee team ever to swim the English Channel has made history once again, repeating the extraordinary feat 11 years after their original record-breaking crossing.
We have sponsored a team of four inspirational veterans from Blesma, the Limbless Veterans, who successfully completed their second English Channel relay swim just after midnight on Thursday 10 July, following an arduous 14 hours and 40 minutes in open water.
Battling nine-foot swells, gusting winds, and even a “wall of jellyfish,” the team covered the daunting 25-mile stretch to once again challenge perceptions of disability and inspire others through action.
Each member of the team has lost a leg through military service or injury. In 2014, they made headlines by becoming the first all-amputee team to swim the Channel. Now, more than a decade later – and with two members over the age of 60 – they’ve proven that age and adversity are no barrier to determination.
We were the first to do it and thought it would be a great idea to try it again.
“But we’re all 11 years older now. The conditions were tough – six-foot swells, nine-foot at times, with 20mph winds – and during one of my swims, I hit a wall of jellyfish for an hour. It wasn’t fun.
“Out of seven boats that set off with Channel swim teams that day, only three made it. We’re exhausted, but we’re proud. This was about showing what you can do regardless of age or condition.”
Steve White
Aged 60, from Shotley, Suffolk, and Deputy Chairman of Blesma’s Board of Trustees.
The team also included:
• Conrad Thorpe, 61, ex-Lieutenant Colonel in the Royal Marines, now based in Kenya
• Craig Howorth, 57, former Royal Navy submariner from Bacup, Lancashire
• Jamie Gillespie, 50, former Royal Engineer from Hertfordshire
The team had originally aimed to complete the swim in 2024 to mark the 10th anniversary of their first crossing, but the attempt was postponed due to bad weather.
This latest swim was made possible with our support, along with individual donors. The team hopes to raise around £15,000 for Blesma, a charity dedicated to supporting limbless and injured veterans.
The Blesma team have once again made history with their incredible achievement. Everyone at Wates sincerely congratulates them on this Channel swim success and for continuing to redefine what’s possible – regardless of age or condition.
“Many would have called it a day after the original attempt was postponed, but their unwavering commitment and determination is truly inspirational. It’s an honour to have supported them and Blesma in their mission to transform the lives of injured service personnel across the UK.”
Eoghan O’Lionaird
Chief Executive Officer of Wates Group
This is an incredible achievement and a testimony to their strength, resilience, and hard work. It’s a shining example of what can be achieved after injury and setback.”
Vivienne Buck
Blesma’s Chief Executive
To support the team and donate, please visit: justgiving.com/team/blesma
Blesma is just one of many Armed Forces organisations and charities we work with. Whether delivering improvements to estates, raising money to support veterans, or helping service leavers find new careers within the built environment and beyond, we are proud to support those who serve in the Forces – both past and present – and the vital work they do.
