A swimmer who raised £2,000 for a children’s charity after crossing the North Channel was supported throughout the gruelling challenge by his coach from Camlough in County Armagh.

Jack Dobson, 25, from Hillsborough, completed the 21-mile swim in 11 hours and 25 minutes last week, exceeding his own expectations after previously estimating that the weather-dependent challenge could take between nine and 18 hours.

He undertook the swim to raise money for Newlife, a charity that provides specialist equipment for children with additional needs. The total raised is enough to fund one equipment grant for a family requiring additional support.

A race against cold, tides and jellyfish

The North Channel is regarded as one of the world’s toughest open-water swims. While the route is 21 miles long, strong tides and swarms of venomous Lion’s Mane jellyfish added to the difficulty.

Dobson swam without a wetsuit. Around two hours into the attempt, he began to struggle with the cold and weakness and was unable to keep food down. He said the early part of the swim was particularly challenging as he fought against the tide.

“There were some rough parts, especially in the first two hours.”

He explained that swimming against the tide required intense effort while producing limited forward progress. The cold then began to affect his confidence that he could finish.

Dobson said he was stung by around four or five jellyfish during the crossing. One measured five feet in length. He also described seeing dolphins and other marine life at close quarters as a surreal experience.

Food was delivered to him from a pole by Stephen Grimley, his swim coach from Camlough in County Armagh. Jam sandwiches became a race-day staple after working well during training, although Dobson said the experience of eating several during the swim had left him unable to face one afterwards.

Training between Camlough Lake and Carlingford Lough

Dobson prepared by swimming three days a week in a pool and two days a week in open water. His preparation also included cold-water tolerance training between Camlough Lake and Carlingford Lough.

He said the swim gradually became easier as it progressed, despite continuing to work against the tide, and he ultimately finished faster than he had anticipated.

“It was a tough day but at the same time it was absolutely thrilling and I am so glad that I did it.”

Dobson’s renewed interest in swimming followed his move to Northern Ireland from the West Midlands. His mother, Karen, is one of Newlife’s consultant nurses and helped launch services including grants for specialist wheelchairs, buggies, beds and car seats.

That family connection gave the fundraiser a direct personal significance. Dobson said he had seen through his mother the difference that Newlife’s work could make to disabled children and their families, particularly when families faced long waits for assessments or essential equipment that was not provided through health and social care services.

Future challenge put on hold

Dobson said the £2,000 raised would cover one Newlife equipment grant and that he was now taking time to rest and recover.

He has already identified a possible future goal: completing the Irish triple crown of open-water swimming, including swims in Galway Bay and Cork. However, he said that challenge would have to wait while he focuses on his wedding.

Timothie Jenkinson of Newlife praised Dobson’s dedication, training and achievement, saying the money raised would help children receive specialist equipment and support them to grow, flourish and take part in opportunities.