Law
Published: February 5, 2025 | Updated: 5th February 2025
A team from law firm Trethowans, with offices in Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire, is set to take on a relay swim across the English Channel this August.
They’ll be raising funds for Aspire, a national charity supporting people with spinal cord injury.
The team of six includes Andrew Mercer, Emma Wilders-Pratt, Laura Trapnell, Jennifer Bowes, Amy Croxford and Taylor Anderson, together representing all three offices.
Andrew is no stranger to the Channel. This will be his third relay swim, with his most notable achievement dating back to 1981 when he was part of the Dover Lifeguard team that broke the mixed relay world record.
They completed the crossing in an astonishing 7 hours and 17 minutes – a record that still stands today.
“Having completed this challenge twice, I know the immense physical and mental effort it takes,” said Andrew.
“This time, it’s even more special to share the experience with my colleagues, who are undertaking this challenge for the first time.
“Supporting Aspire’s incredible work provides all the motivation we need to push through the cold waters and unpredictable conditions of the Channel.”
The team is currently in training, acclimatising to the cold-water acclimatisation and building up their endurance for the challenge.
Each swimmer will take turns navigating the Channel’s 22 miles of chilly and often turbulent waters.
Andrew Ogierman, challenge events manager at Aspire, said: “Aspire has been arranging Channel relay swims for 15 years.
“However, every year is exciting and new as teams prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.
“Funds raised – nearly £2.5 million since 2009 – have helped to make a significant difference to the work of Aspire.
“We’re very grateful to the Trethowans team who have decided to take on the Channel in support of our work and wish them well in the coming months.”
Aspire provides vital support to people with spinal cord injury, helping them achieve independence through housing, training and advocacy.
Trethowans has a long history of supporting causes that align with its legal expertise in personal injury and clinical negligence, and this swim is its latest opportunity to make an impact.
The team will be sharing updates on their training journey and fundraising efforts over the coming months.
