Fundraiser takes on English Channel swim for Fund
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In Memory, World War Two, Fundraising, RAF Family, Press releases,
On 19 July 2025, fundraiser Helen Jenkins will take on a solo swim of the English Channel to raise money for five charities including the RAF Benevolent Fund.
Helen, 53, will be swimming 21 miles from Dover to France set to take place from 19-23 July 2025.
Helen said: “The challenge will involve approximately 15 and a half hours of non-stop swimming but could be longer depending on conditions and fatigue – or equally less for the same reasons!”
Helen continued: “My grandfather was killed in the Second World War as a volunteer flight engineer which left his wife with three young children to raise, one of whom was my dad. The RAF helped my dad research information into his father, and dad was always a committed supporter of the RAF Benevolent Fund and RAF.
“I lost dad three years ago and he would have been so proud of what I’m doing so I wanted to give back to the Fund to help anyone that may lose a family member in the same way my dad did back on 5 May 1943.
“I’m raising money to remember my grandfather William ‘Norman’ Forth and my dad, Peter Forth, who lived his life without his dad.”
Speaking on her motivation to sign up to swim the Channel, Helen said: “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do since I was a young girl and it’s now or never whilst I still have some energy!”
Helen has been preparing for this challenge for two years completing several swim camps in Dover and abroad with many hours of swimming training in the pool and sea alongside.
Helen added: “There are only 1,881 people who have swum the channel (some of them multiple times) so this is a huge challenge that only has a 60% success rate, but I am enjoying the journey to the start line and just hope that everything aligns on the day to get me across the Channel. I’m looking forward to touching the sand in France!”
Helen has raised over £3,000 so far for her chosen charities which also includes Dementia UK, Young Minds, Pleasant Valley Camp and Charlie’s Promise.
You can donate to Helen’s fundraiser on Go Fund Me.