'I dipped my toes in at local swimming spots – now I'm swimming the English Channel'

Tuesday, 14 July 2026 10:31

By Central Radio News

A support worker from Leyland is taking on a huge challenge to swim from Dover to France.

Ruth Whitter, 52, is part of a team of six who will swim the English Channel for an hour each in rotation until they reach France.

They will swim around 22 miles in total, although the exact distance will be dependent on the weather, tides and currents.

Ruth said: "When I was a lot younger, I was a keen pool swimmer and swam for some local teams so I've always loved water.

"A few years ago I started putting my toes in the water in places locally like Eccleston Delph and Capernwray, so it started to grow and grow. I do enter a few events now, but nothing quite as big as this!

"I've had a few weekends away where I met my team and we've been down to Dover each month since May to swim together, so we've got to know each other really well."

Ruth's day job involves supporting adults who are looking to make friends and to join in social activities.

She has worked at Chorley day centre for three years and runs some of the groups there.

She said: "I love the people that I work with and those I support.

"It's real lovely place with lots of different activities and I work very closely and intensely with some of the people who visit."

Ruth is raising money through her challenge for Aspire, a spinal injuries charity.

Councillor Tom Pickup, cabinet member for Adult Social Care, said: "It's really inspiring to see someone who spends their days supporting others taking on a huge challenge to benefit others.

"Support workers like Ruth do a fantastic job at our day centres where they connect people with their local community, encourage them to join in a wide range of activities and support their mental and physical wellbeing.

"We wish Ruth and the rest of the team the best of luck as they take on this once-in-a-lifetime challenge."