Four members of the same family will swim the English Channel in a relay to raise money for the Stroke Association.
Ryan Godfrey, 52, from Faversham, will take on the challenge with his sons Nathan, 22, Alex, 20, and Ben, 18, braving the world’s busiest shipping lane.
The family said they were inspired by the work of Ryan’s wife, Debbie, who helps people who have had a stroke to recover.
Ryan previously swam across the Channel in 2024.
He said: “I said to my boys – tongue in cheek – wouldn’t it be great to do a father and son relay? To my surprise they all agreed. Two years later, here we are.”
The family have been training for several months, including winter sessions at the outdoor pool at Faversham Swimming Pools to get used to cold water.
They have also made regular trips to Dover to train in the sea and experience open-water conditions.
They will attempt the crossing between 28 August and 2 September, depending on sea conditions, and are aiming to complete it in 12 hours or less.
The straight-line distance across the English Channel is 21 miles, or 33.7km. However, powerful tidal currents can push swimmers sideways in a zigzag or S-shaped path, meaning most crossings cover between 25 and 35 miles, or 40.2km to 56.3km.
Ryan said the family had also seen the impact of stroke among people close to them.
He added: “Three close friends of ours have all suffered strokes in their early 50s, each with life-changing consequences.
“Watching how stroke has affected them and their families has shown us just how devastating it can be.”
Cristina Bayliss, the Stroke Association‘s Kent service delivery coach, said: “We’re hugely grateful to Ryan and his sons for taking on this remarkable family challenge and wish them well.”
