Faversham family swimming the Channel for Stroke Association
The father and sons will embark on relay challenge to support vital stroke services
Ryan Godfrey and his three sons are gearing up for a family relay swim across the English Channel to raise funds for the Stroke Association.
Motivated by Ryan’s past Channel relay in 2024, the family decided to unite to complete the journey over the bank holiday week, with Ryan saying:
“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!
“Between 28 August and 2 September, we’ll be on standby waiting for the green light: once the weather, tides and conditions line up, we’ll get the call… and it’s game on!
“This challenge isn’t just about testing ourselves - it’s about raising money for a cause that means a great deal to our family.
“Stroke can happen to anyone, regardless of age, and we’ve sadly seen that first-hand. Three close friends of ours have all suffered strokes in their early fifties, each with life-changing consequences. Watching how stroke has affected them and their families has shown us just how devastating it can be.
“My wife Debbie works as a speech and language therapist supporting stroke survivors; she sees the challenges people face during recovery and the incredible work that organisations like the Stroke Association do to help rebuild lives.”
Ryan, 52, Nathan, 22, Alex, 20, and Ben, 18, all experienced swimmers, and plan to start their relay challenge at Samphire Hoe, near Dover.
The swim will see them alternate hour-long turns, navigating approximately 25 to 35 miles due to tidal currents affecting their path.
The Godfreys aim for swift completion, ideally under 12 hours.
Cristina Bayliss, the charity’s Kent service delivery coach, wished the team well on the journey, saying:
“Our specialist support, research and campaigning is only possible with the courage and determination of the stroke community and the generosity of our supporters like the Godfreys.”