From Westminster to Keynsham – Aaron runs in memory of best friend
January 24, 2025
Sophie from Weston-super-Mare swam 21 miles, the length of the English Channel, to raise vital funds for Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC). Sophie’s challenge saw her complete 1,344 lengths of her local leisure centre swimming pool, Hutton Moor Leisure Centre, between August and October last year.
The challenge, which took less than two months to complete, has raised a fantastic £3,161 for GWAAC; more than enough to fund a potentially lifesaving mission for someone in urgent need of critical care. The average cost of each mission we attend is £2,200 and this figure was Sophie’s original target, which she managed to achieve and then some!
Sophie decided to support GWAAC after our crew attended her grandfather earlier in 2024. Sadly, despite their best efforts, Sophie’s grandfather passed away but Sophie and her family deeply appreciated the help and support that GWAAC’s crew provided at such a difficult time.
Sophie’s dad, Ian, said: “The Great Western Air Ambulance Charity was there for him so as a family we would like to give back to this amazing charity. Sophie has always loved swimming and she wanted to do something to help. She saw that each mission is on average £2,200, so she set this as her goal.”
Sophie said: “Before my challenge, the furthest I had swum was lengths in my lessons, then I did a swimathon where I did 1 mile (64 lengths). I had to use flippers to complete this as I was so tired. But I completed my first mile all by myself and then took on this challenge for 21 miles. Mum and Dad got a critical care bear teddy from a GWAAC shop and they came with me and sat on the edge so when I was swimming, I could see Charlie sat there which gave me the boost and support I needed to continue. I am missing the swimming every week, however my hair feeling normal for days has been nice.”
The whole family was invited to our airbase to see the helicopter and meet the Specialist Paramedics in Critical Care (SPCCs) who treated her Grandad. It was an emotional and special day for the family, but also an exciting one for the kids who got to sit in a critical care car after realising they were the same make as their family car!
Inspired by her visit, Sophie has set her next challenge — to swim the distance up Mount Everest, an incredible 40 miles (64km) to the summit of the highest peak in the world.
Sophie said: “I have decided my goal for 2025 is to complete the Mount Everest Virtual Challenge. To be able to say I have swum the distance to Everest would be such an amazing achievement.”
Charlie Rowen, GWAAC Events Manager, congratulated Sophie in her incredible achievement: “From everyone here at GWAAC I would like to say a huge thank you and congratulations to Sophie for completing her swimming challenge, what an incredible achievement! We are so inspired by Sophie’s love for swimming and determination to continue fundraising for GWAAC. We are all behind her and can’t wait to see all that she achieves this year!”
Before my challenge, the furthest I had swum was lengths in my lessons, then I did a swimathon where I did 1 mile (64 lengths). I had to use flippers to complete this as I was so tired. But I completed my first mile all by myself and then took on this challenge for 21 miles. Mum and Dad got a critical care bear teddy from a GWAAC shop and they came with me and sat on the edge so when I was swimming, I could see Charlie sat there which gave me the boost and support I needed to continue.
Sophie, her Charlie Bear teddy and SPCC James
