Incredible Challenges – Solo English Channel Swim

The lengths people will go to in order to raise awareness, money, and support for Charlie’s Promise never cease to amaze us. But sometimes the challenges they take on truly blow our minds and warm our hearts.

On 30th July 2025, at around 3:00am, Helen Jenkins began an extraordinary journey — a solo swim across the English Channel to raise funds for five charities, including Charlie’s Promise.

Setting off from Abbot’s Cliff Beach near Dover, Helen battled the cold, tides, and fatigue, swimming through the night and into the following day before finally reaching Pte du Nid de Corbet in France. After 15 hours and 28 minutes in the water, she touched land at Strouanne Beach, completing one of the toughest endurance challenges in the world.

Only 1,881 people have ever completed a solo swim of the Channel — an achievement with just a 60% success rate. Helen’s determination, courage, and positive spirit carried her through every stroke, supported by her crew aboard the boat Anastasia, who kept her spirits high throughout the journey.

Helen’s incredible feat raised £4,800.00 for Charlie’s Promise, plus a further £1,200.00 in Gift Aid — an outstanding total that will help us continue our vital work supporting and empowering young people.

From everyone at Charlie’s Promise, we are in awe of Helen’s remarkable achievement and deeply thankful for her support.