During July 2022, a member of our Province will be attempting to swim a distance upwards of 21 miles, across the English Channel. From Dover to Calais. Ryan, who is currently Senior Deacon in Cumbria Lodge 6643 is no stranger to raising funds for charity – he also ran the world’s highest marathon in 2017. The English Channel is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world! The average solo crossing time is 13 hours and 33 minutes. During the swim, Ryan will not be allowed to receive assistance or make contact with any boat or person in accordance with Channel Swim Association Rules.
Ryan is raising money once again for the amazing Make-a-Wish Foundation UK, which creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses, because a child’s life shouldn’t be about illness, hospitals and diagnosis – it should be about wonder, joy and hope.
During next year’s Masonic Charitable Festival, Ryan will also be raising money for MCF (Masonic Charitable Foundation).
MCF support Freemasons and their families when life takes an unexpected turn for the worse. They offer a wide range of grants and support services for financial, health, family and care-related needs.
A Masonic Connection to cross-channel swimming –
The first person to ever swim the English Channel was Captain Matthew Webb in 1875, he swam from Dover to Calais in 22 hours. Captain Matthew Webb was a member of Neptune Lodge No.22.
Ryan’s swim is planned to take place between 22nd – 28th July 2022. The date and time of his swim will depend on weather/ tide conditions.
Ryan’s training is gradually building up at the moment. It includes 12km swims, 10km swims, multiple 5km swims in one training session, 2 or 3 hour timed swims, mainly in open water around the Lake District. During these training sessions, Ryan will be focusing on his swim technique and building up his fitness.
