Gloucester Dippers Channel Swim 2024
We are a mixed group of individuals that have come together to raise money and awareness for The Anthony Nolan Trust and Young Gloucestershire. On 25th September 2024, as a relay team we will attempt to swim the English Channel. Thank You for any support or donations that you can give.
Our Charities
Anthony Nolan
Anthony Nolan is a pioneering charity dedicated to saving and improving the lives of individuals with blood cancer and blood disorders. We strive to create hope and offer a second chance at life through our vital work of connecting patients with remarkable donors who are ready to donate their stem cells.
At the core of our mission is the belief that every patient deserves the best possible outcome and experience. We achieve this by facilitating lifesaving matches between patients and donors from our extensive stem cell register. These connections not only provide immediate help but also inspire communities and individuals to engage in a cause that saves lives every day.
In addition to matchmaking, Anthony Nolan is committed to advancing scientific research. We fund innovative studies aimed at enhancing transplant success rates and improving post-transplant recovery. Our research initiatives are focused on transforming the treatment landscape, making transplants safer, and increasing survival rates.
We ensure that every patient receives comprehensive support before, during, and after their transplant. This patient-centered approach helps mitigate the challenges of the transplant journey and reinforces our dedication to not just saving lives, but also enriching them.
Join us at Anthony Nolan in our fight against blood cancer and disorders. Together, we can continue to make miracles happen through the power of generosity and science.
Young Gloucestershire
Young Gloucestershire (YG) is a dynamic charity deeply rooted in the heart of its community, dedicated to supporting young individuals across the county who are navigating complex challenges in their lives. At YG, we believe in the power of youth work and its capacity to transform lives. Our approach is centered on building meaningful relationships with young people, which allows us to understand their unique circumstances and tailor our support to meet their specific needs.
Our mission at YG is to empower young people to envision and craft a better future for themselves. We stand by the philosophy that addressing the myriad of factors influencing young lives is crucial for real change. By collaborating closely with youth, we engage them in identifying their aspirations, understanding the obstacles they face, and discovering actionable pathways forward.
Through our comprehensive programs and initiatives, Young Gloucestershire provides a supportive platform where youth can gain confidence, acquire new skills, and access the necessary resources to overcome their hurdles. We are committed to fostering an environment where every young person feels valued, heard, and inspired to achieve their fullest potential. Join us in making a lasting impact in the lives of young people in Gloucestershire.
Our Inspiration
Maddie’s Story
Back in October of 2022, I had just started my university course to become a nurse. My first term at university was going well but I noticed weird bruising and felt very tired. The bruising became more frequent and unexplained so I went to my GP for a blood test. Within 24 hours, my life was turned upside down. I was admitted to hospital the following day with suspected Leukaemia, after various tests and a bone marrow biopsy It was discovered that it was a worse diagnosis, as I was suffering from an extremely rare illness, severe Aplastic anaemia. This means that my bone marrow had failed and was no longer producing platelets, white cells or red cells. This meant I had to start weekly transfusions of blood and platelets to keep me alive. This is where Anthony Nolan stepped in as a bone marrow donor. Unfortunately, my siblings were tested but they were not a good enough match.
My NHS transplant team then approached a national stem cell charity for help. Luckily for me, 2 perfect matches were found; both were male, both 23 years old, one from Poland and another from Germany. The German donor was able and willing to donate. I was admitted to hospital in June of 2023 to start my conditioning chemotherapy to prepare me for my transplant. The bone marrow was flown over 7 days later and brought straight from the airport to the hospital. I was given the bone marrow on June 14, 2023. I am now a year old, and I am soon to be 21 years old, with my whole life ahead of me, thanks to Anthony Nolan and my amazing donor.
Rose’s Story
Rose was diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa in October 2020 aged 13yrs old and started treatment with Brownhills Eating Disorder Clinic. She was very unwell and at times unable to attend school and close to hospitalisation. With the help of her therapist and family she battled this devastating disorder and after a year she was making good progress. However, Anorexia is a form of OCD and whilst the Anorexia was beaten her OCD intrusive thoughts exacerbated and she started to self-harm and felt suicidal. Her mental health declined, and she was admitted to the Pediatric Mental Health ward at Gloucester Royal. After this cry for help we were hopeful of some professional support from CAMHS. However, as is the case across the country this service is overwhelmed and the waiting list for support was at least eighteen months.
One agency who were able to provide timely support were YOUNG GLOUCESTER who helped Rose with the self-harm side of her condition. They were amazing and a lifeline for Rose (and us). Her support worker understood her needs, listened to her and formed part of her road to recovery.
Rose is a fighter and after a great deal of therapy and support she is out the other side. She has just finished her GCSE’s and looking forward to starting her A levels.
There is a mental health crisis amongst our young people and anyone who is in the ‘system’ will know that resources are limited and services overwhelmed! We were fortunate to have help from our family to pay for the costly private therapy, but there are many who cannot and that should not be the case. A two year waiting list for support is a disaster for our young people and I hope this channel swim will raise awareness and more importantly help Young Gloucester to support more young people.
Our Swimmers
Ben Slatter
Aged 45 from Gloucester. A slightly overweight, not overly fit, former rugby player, who likes the occasional swim before going in the sauna. I am looking forward to swimming the channel, but extremely nervous at the same time. Being able to help raise money and awareness for the Anthony Nolan Trust and Young Gloucestershire means a lot to my family. Both charities carry out lots of work and assist many people in our communities and those close to us.
Dan Knapman
Aged 40 from Gloucester. A keen swimmer as a youngster and always fancied the channel but never thought I’d actually get the chance to have a go. Ben said “We’re doing a challenge”, I said “yes” only to find out 3 beers later that it was a channel swim…… I was a little taken back, apprehensive but more importantly, excited. Pleased to be supporting two charities that are close to a couple of team members.
Gill Parry
Aged 47 originally from Liverpool. Swimming has always been in my life and more recently; to bolster my mental and physical well-being I started wild swimming and love it! Swimming the English Channel has always been on my ‘to do before 50’ list and last year our swim team got together, and it will soon be a reality! I am the only female in our team of five, so I am doing it for the girls and hope to do my friends and family proud. The motivation to do this challenge is personal and driven by raising money for our two charities, Young Gloucester and The Anthony Nolan Trust.
Gary Young
Aged 53, retired FireFighter from Gloucester. Always up for a challenge, normally on 2 wheels cycling up the Alps! This challenge is out of my comfort zone, but it’s something I have often thought about doing and when the opportunity came along to support these 2 fantastic charities, I didn’t hesitate to sign up! I must admit the training for this swim has been physically and mentally challenging.
Rich Molloy
Aged 51 from Gloucester, I’m always up for something outside my comfort zone and this is certainly it! With 2 pinned shoulders and a fear of the cold it’s a challenge and a half. The two fantastic charities are well worth all the cold-water training and physiotherapy. It’s a privilege to take part.
Our Sponsors
