We are delighted to support Paralympic champion swimmer, Melanie Barratt, on her attempt to become the first blind woman to successfully complete the Channel Swim this August.

Melanie's swim is scheduled to take place within a weeklong window between 27^th August and 1^st September.

Whilst taking on this incredible challenge, Melanie hopes to raise awareness around open water swimming and raise funds for British Blind Sport and change the lives of blind and partially sighted people through the power of sport.

The swim will begin from Shakespeare Beach, Dover, with Melanie swimming the 21-miles across the English Channel unaided but followed by a support crew in the 'Masterpiece' boat. Melanie is planning on completing the swim in approximately 14 hours, when she reaches the holy grail of landing spots, Cap Gris Nez in France.

Ahead of her challenge, Melanie said: "This Channel swim represents more than just a personal challenge for me. It's about raising awareness of open water swimming and the work that British Blind Sport do. Having spent many months training, I am excited to get into the water on the day and be supported by Masterpiece and my Ironfish Swimmer teammates.

On the day, there are so many variables that I have no control over. I have learnt so much during this training journey over the past two years that successfully completing the Channel Swim would be the finishing touch."

Chief Executive of British Blind Sport, Alaina MacGregor, said: "Melanie's journey from Paralympian to potentially becoming the first blind woman to successfully swim across the Channel is a testament to her. We're so proud to support her in this challenge, and we hope her incredible feat will inspire everyone, and that more blind and partially sighted people will get involved in sports."

As part of the Sky Sports New Focus Fund, Find It Film crew have been following Melanie's journey from Paralympic swimmer and into open water swimming culminating with her Channel Swim attempt. The documentary, titled 'Untethered', is due to air in the Autumn 2024.

To follow Melanie's latest updates on her training ahead of the Channel Swim, follow along on Facebook.

To support Melanie and BBS on this challenge, donations can be made via Just Giving.