When five determined women set out to swim the English Channel as part of a relay team, they knew they’d face one of the toughest physical challenges imaginable. What they didn’t know was just how wild, beautiful, and unforgettable the experience would be.
Among them was Bell of Northampton customer Dawn, who joined a team of strong lady swimmers aged 50–65 to take on the 21-mile crossing in aid of the RNLI, raising over £2,900 for the lifesaving charity.
“The tougher the challenge, the sweeter the sense of achievement,” she said, reflecting on the 15-hour, 13-minute journey from Dover to Cap Blanc Nez.
The Challenge Begins
The adventure began in the early hours at 2:08 AM, under a pitch-black sky off Samphire Hoe.
“There was no faffing,” she laughed. “Liz jumped straight in, cleared the beach, and we were off!”
Each swimmer took one-hour turns in the cool, choppy water — waves “like a washing machine, with jellyfish!” — while the rest of the team recovered on the support boat, wrapped up warm and cheering each other on with music and laughter. By the second rotation, the sea grew rougher still. “It was impossible to find a rhythm,” she recalled. “The waves just kept throwing us around. But we kept pushing — and when France finally started getting closer, we knew we were going to make it.”
They touched French soil at 5:21 PM, greeted by sunshine, calm seas, and the pure joy of victory.
An Adventure Fuelled by Team Spirit and Hot Drinks
The team swam through the night and into a glorious sunrise, spotting tuna leaping, porpoises playing, and even a giant seal — “thankfully I didn’t see that while I was in the water!”
The biggest comfort between swims? Hot tea and hot chocolate — both kept perfectly warm for over ten hours in two YETI 18oz Rambler flasks from the Bell BBQ Shop.“When you get tired, you feel colder — and having something warm to drink made all the difference,” she said.“I’ve tried a few flasks before, but none kept my drink so hot for so long. I was incredibly impressed.”
Why YETI Makes a Difference
Built for extreme adventures — from mountain hikes to Channel crossings — YETI flasks are made to perform. Durable, leakproof, and brilliantly insulated, they’re the perfect companion for anyone who refuses to let the elements win.
Whether it’s a YETI Rambler, food jar, or lunch box, you’ll find the full range at the Bell BBQ Shop inside Bell of Northampton, where quality outdoor and lifestyle gear meets passion and performance.
Swimming for a Cause
The team’s motivation was simple: to support the RNLI, whose 24-hour rescue service protects swimmers, sailors, and coastal communities across the UK and Ireland. As regular open-water swimmers, the cause was deeply personal.
“The RNLI are always there when things go wrong. They’re heroes. Supporting them felt right.”
You can still support their cause and help them reach their next milestone here:
🔥 A Well-Earned Celebration
After battling the waves, the team finally relaxed on the boat, basking in the glow of achievement — and, of course, a spectacular Channel sunset. Back on land, thoughts turned to warmth, comfort, and celebration.
“My go-to comfort meal after a cold swim? A freshly cooked pizza — ideally stoned baked and authentic!” She laughed, adding that her next YETI treat will probably be a food jar or lunch box, ready for the next adventure — perhaps a swim around Jersey or across a Scottish loch.
The cherry on the cake was getting the flask engraved, what a great memento!
Bell of Northampton: For Life’s Adventures, Big and Small
Whether it’s conquering the Channel, braving the British weather, or simply relaxing at home with a hot drink, Bell of Northampton is proud to support the products and brands that make life’s moments better — like YETI, available in-store at the BBQ Shop or online.
So, if you’re ready to explore, adventure, or simply stay toasty on your next outing, visit us today and discover why the best gear makes all the difference.
Explore the range: Bell BBQ Shop – YETI Collection
Visit us in-store: Bell of Northampton, Kingsthorpe Road, Northampton
