Trio complete Channel swim

Staff nurse Miss Nichola Fowkes has achieved her dream of completing a team swim across the English Channel.

Miss Fowkes, 38, of Blackthorne Close, Balderton, was in a team of six who swam in a relay across the Channel.

They each swam for an hour to complete the 26 miles. When they were not swimming they followed in a support boat.

Miss Fowkes was joined by Mrs Carol Measures, 68, of Honing Drive, Southwell; Miss Caroline Sims, 37 of Grove Street, Balderton; Mr Ben Kent, 29, Mr Matt Basford, 20, and Mr James Cotton, 29, all from Kent.

They set off from Shakespeare Beach, Dover, at 3.10am when it was still dark and finished at Cap Gris Nes, near Calais, 12 hours and five minutes later.

Miss Fowkes said that it had been a fantastic experience.

They hope to have raised about £3,500 for the Pilgrim’s Hospice in Kent, British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK and the NSPCC.

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