Local Teenager Set to Swim English Channel for Mental Health Charity

A 16-year-old from Hertfordshire is set to tackle one of the toughest open-water swims for charity, just months after finishing his GCSEs.

Felipe Irvine, who has been training competitively since the age of eight, is to swim the 21-mile stretch of the English Channel in the coming days for YoungMinds. 

He said: “I’ve been swimming for as long as I can remember and always enjoyed doing laps in a pool, but open-water doesn't get repetitive - it is just so freeing.”

After several hours a week training with City of St Albans Swimming Club and completing two English Channel relays in preparation, he is now gearing up to do it solo.

Despite this, Felipe's dad and Open-Water Swim Coach at Watford Swimming Club, Jeremy Irvine, said the Channel is a significant test for any swimmer.

“The English Channel is a challenge that people come from all over the world to achieve, it’s the holy grail of open water swimming,” he said.

The swim will see 16-year-old Felipe contend with obstacles such as unpredictable weather, Jellyfish and shipping traffic. 

However, while Felipe’s swim is expected to come with these challenges, he is determined to raise money for YoungMinds UK - a charity which supports young people and their mental health.

Felipe added: “I've been lucky to have the support of my family, coaches and club mates through years of training, I know not every young person has that, 

“Raising money for YoungMinds feels like a way to give something back and help others who might be struggling.” 

Depending on conditions on the day, the journey to France is expected to take between 10-20 hours, with both Felipe and his dad hoping to complete the crossing in under 12. 

The exact date of the swim remains unconfirmed, but is likely to take place from September 7 on wards.

To donate to Felipe Irvine’s JustGiving page, click here.