The crossing from Dover to Calais is 21 miles directly across the English Channel. Swimmers often attempt the open water challenge individually or as part of a relay team and start in the early hours touching the French shores late into the night.

Writer Clare Conway and I were invited aboard the last relay crossing of the year to join half a dozen ladies during their gruelling adventure crossing the channel. Our journey was published in the Sunday Times Magazine.

Swimming 32 miles in 19 hours 32 minutes and 43 seconds our crossing was a success.

These women are truly inspiring!