Open Water Swimmers Embark on 30-Hour Sea Crossing to Support RNLI and Marine Conservation Society

A team of eight open water swimmers, including five from East Anglia, are gearing up for a record-breaking endurance challenge this July. They aim to complete the first-ever relay swim from Alderney in the Channel Islands to the British mainland – a daunting 56-mile journey expected to take over 30 hours.

Known as the Odyssey Squad, the swimmers are raising essential funds for the Marine Conservation Society and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) – two organisations they hold dear.

Richard Pearce, a member of the Odyssey Squad and Service Consultant at Holden Group, has been instrumental in rallying support. “We’ve spent countless hours training in open water, and each time we enter the sea, we’re reminded of how fortunate we are to share it with marine life. This challenge is our way of giving back – not just to the sea, but to those who keep us safe in it,” said Richard.

Holden Group, a well-established motor retailer in East Anglia, has supported the team with branded hoodies and t-shirts and continues to champion the cause as part of its commitment to community and environmental responsibility.

Adam Ferjani, Group Marketing Manager at Holden Group, added: “We’re proud to support Richard and the Odyssey Squad in their extraordinary challenge. Their dedication to environmental sustainability and safety aligns perfectly with our ethos at Holden Group. We’ll be cheering them on every stroke of the way.”

The swim is not only a physical feat but also a reminder of the critical role the RNLI plays in saving lives at sea, with lifeboat crews and lifeguards providing 24-hour search and rescue across the UK and Channel Islands.

Five members of the team recently completed a 12-hour endurance swim at Beccles Lido as part of their training – a taste of the physical and mental demands to come.

To support the Odyssey Squad’s efforts and help them reach their fundraising goals, visit JustGiving – https://www.justgiving.com/team/odysseysquad or https://www.justgiving.com/page/mark-ransom-8