Plucky teenagers to swim English Channel for Hospice In The Weald

THREE brave 13-year-olds from the Weald are in training for one of the biggest swimming challenges in the world in aid of a local charity.

Battling seasickness, strong currents and the lurking threat of jellyfish, Dulwich Prep School pupils Bethany Coombe-Jones and Hugo Beales will swim the English Channel in August in a bid to raise £2,000 for the Hospice In The Weald at Pembury.

Each will swim more than three miles of open sea in one -hour stints as part of a six-person relay team.

Hugo and Bethany will be joined by former Dulwich pupil Tom Harvey, from Cranbrook, who now attends Judd School in Tonbridge.

All are reported to be a little nervous but looking forward to the prospect of swimming across the world's busiest shipping lane.

Iden Green resident Bethany said: "I'm most worried about getting seasick on the boat or being stung by a jellyfish.

"I'm allergic to them so I'm a bit worried, but my mum's bought some anti-histamine."

Hugo, from Goudhurst, said: "I'm more excited than scared.

"I always think about creatures being under the water and the shipping is quite dangerous as well.

"I'm not sure if it will be a problem as I've never swum near a big ship. If I was anywhere near one I would be pretty worried."

To register as an official relay crossing, the youngsters must conform with the rules of the Channel Swimming and Piloting Federation.

This means no wetsuits, no buoyancy aids and no parents to encourage from the support boat. Just a swimming costume, a cap and some grease.

The amphibious trio have been training for the marathon with two-hour practice swims in Dover Harbour.

Bethany described these as "a bit of a shock".

It is a shock worth bearing, however, in the interests of a good cause.

"When my grandma was ill, Hospice In The Weald helped a lot," said Bethany.

"It's a very good local charity."

Hugo added: "I want to do it for the challenge and I also like the idea of raising money for charity whilst having fun."

As part of their fund-raising efforts, the team has organised a tombola and sweet stall at the school Open Day on Tuesday, while a cake sale last Tuesday has already raised £140.40.

To sponsor the team, visit www.justgiving.com/cranbrookcrosschanneltrio