On Wednesday 28^th August, multi-medal winning Paralympic swimmer Melanie Barratt became the first blind woman to successfully complete the Channel Swim.

Setting off at 4.30am from Shakespeare Beach, Dover with her support crew and pilot on the 'Masterpiece' boat, Mel reached Cap Gris Nez Beach, France unaided 12 hours and 20mins later which was significantly under her predicted time of 14 hours.

Following the Channel Swim, Melanie said: "I can't believe it – I'm a Channel Swimmer. Landing on French soil as the Paralympics officially began to become the first blind woman to swim the Channel was very special. To successfully complete the Channel Swim was an incredible finishing touch following two years of training."

Chief Executive of British Blind Sport, Alaina MacGregor said: "We are so proud of Mel on this amazing achievement in becoming the first blind woman to swim the English Channel. She has shown incredible determination and commitment for the past two years in preparing for this challenge. We have known Mel for a long time and are so grateful that she chose to support BBS while undertaking this challenge."

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 historic Channel Swim. The documentary, titled 'Untethered', is due to air in the Autumn 2024.

The Just Giving page remains open for donations to BBS. To support the ongoing work of the charity, donations can be made here.