Claire, 27, has always been passionate about exercise and the outdoors. A former rugby player, she was forced to give up the sport due to multiple shoulder surgeries. Determined to push her body in a new way, she turned to triathlons, which ignited her love for open water swimming.
She set her sights on one of the most demanding ocean swims in the world—the South Rottnest Channel Swim, which stretches from Cottesloe Beach to Rottnest Island in Western Australia. Claire took on the challenge as part of a team, personally swimming approximately 10km.
Claire said: “It was definitely a challenge, especially because the waters are known for sharks and stingers”
Despite not considering herself a natural swimmer, Claire has been training extensively in Australia while living on the road in her van. Public 50m swimming pools in various towns have provided the perfect space to build up her endurance. Open water training has been more selective, with her only swimming in areas with protective shark nets.
Claire took on the challenge to raise funds for City Hospice, a charity close to her heart.
“Without charities like City Hospice, patients in their most vulnerable times would lack the close support and ability to stay in their home. I wanted to take on a challenge that was truly difficult, something worthy of fundraising for such an important cause”.
Claire completed the incredible 19.7km swim on Saturday, 22nd February, under extremely difficult conditions.
Claire described the initial part of the swim:
“When the swam began, we were in a rhythm, but I almost ended up swimming sideways and for every 100m we went forward we were blown back about 50m. It was very tough conditions which then resulted in my teammate, Alex, cutting her foot on the boat propeller.
Despite the boat obviously being in neutral when we changed over, the swell was so big that it picked the boat up and dumped it on her foot cutting through to the tendon. This meant we had to get the medical boat in to see to her – whilst also remaining in the water until her treatment was done. So, we were down a member.”
After an incredible start to their swim, including an injured team member, this did not stop Claire and her teammate’s enthusiasm to continue the swim, and they made it to 19km.
Claire added:
“We made it to 19km before we were pulled out due to a tiger shark near us, just 700m off the distance. Unfortunately, no matter how determined we were – we weren’t going to beat a tiger shark in poor visibility water with a few cuts here and there on us!”
Claire has raised an incredible £1,430 for City Hospice, which will enable essential palliative and end-of-life care to continue for people in Cardiff.
Katie Vaughan, Senior Community Fundraiser, said:
“I couldn’t believe how incredibly difficult Claire’s swim was due to be, without all the experiences she had on the day! Claire’s determination to complete her challenge is truly inspirational, along with her teammates, in order to raise money for City Hospice. They are true Hospice Hereos and we’re so grateful for them choosing to support City Hospice!”
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