Al’s Swimming

Dorothy & Colin Weatherley

First off, a huge thank you to the Weatherleys, especially Dorothy, who ensured that the swims at the beginning of 2008 did not end in disaster! Our self nominated land crew, who apart from our safety, also made sure we were properly fed after each swim. Reputed to have almost turned me Pescetarian, each meal was the reward for a successful training session in Gullane… the hot chocolates came in handy too!

Gowyn ‘Dr Teeth’  Jones

Your work behind the scenes have been invaluable. Nursing me through the daunting task of maintaining a web page, I have learnt enormously. I must also mention the sterling effort with the interactive map that charted the relay and my solo crossing and enabled others to attach texts. Fantastic idea!

Suppose I’d better say something about acting as a support crew for the solo too, but I knew you wanted proof that I did it before I could spout my mouth off.

Jason Parkin - It was an unusual and desperate plea for help and you delivered in spades. On his way to Munich on motorbike - “Would you mind acting as my support crew on the way over?” No hesitation. .. and he served as official photographer! Legend.

John Coningham Rolls - For introducing me to open water swimming and getting me hooked! The encouragement that I received and the enthusiasm you had, further motivated me to seriously consider the channel and for that I am truly grateful.

The Firth of Forth boat teams - Alasdair, Gordon and Eric thank you very much for giving up your Saturday to get us across the Forth. Alasdair, your influence in assisting with organising the mission cannot be overstated

El Treko Relay Team - Although they didn’t know it at the time, but these guys were my fantastic background support crew and it was the perfect precursor to swimming the channel solo.

It’s been quite a journey with Birgit, having met her on my first open water tour in Scotland and her advice at the time and in the following months was priceless. Mark also provided loads of advice and support, was co-founder of the EL Treko name on a terrific weekend in Malaga for winter training and of course the stinger suits! Cheers mate!

Ali Streeter, Sam Jones, Brian and ROCO - My pilot, observer, crew and vessel. Without you all it would have been impossible to achieve. A heartfelt thanks for keeping me in the water when I went AWOL. Luckily for me, your experience shone through. Special thanks also to Sam for organising my feeds especially the electrolyte one. Can’t begin to tell you how relieved I was after that!

Also to Frank our relay observer. What a man to have on your first channel crossing! The stories and experiences that he enlightened me with during our brief time together. Apologies for the boring crossing - we’ll try and time a bumpier ride next time!

Freda Streeter - How lucky was I to get you virtually to myself for a week! I gleaned an astonishing amount from you during that time and without your advice things could have been

Steve Weatherley

Well what can I say? He’s been there almost right from the beginning. Having first met at a SwimTrek Long Distance training camp in November 2007 in Malta and we’ve been training together ever since. Your companionship during the long days training or on our missions was fundamental in achieving success. Moans a bit though. ;o)

Watch those jellyfish … they’re everywhere!