A charity worker struggling to complete an attempt to swim the English Channel was helped to the finish line by a pod of dolphins.
Paul Parrish took on the solo challenge to raise money for spinal injury charity Aspire, and mark his retirement from his job there as director of fundraising and marketing.
The Herne Bay resident had completed the 22-mile challenge before in The Arch to Arc event in 2014.
But because he had worn a wetsuit, it was not recognised as an official Channel swim.
This had “niggled” at the 60-year-old, so he decided to take the plunge for a second time on Friday, August 15.
He started the mission at 2.30am but faced very poor weather for the first six hours.
Despite the conditions improving, Paul began to tire and was even considering throwing in the towel.
It was at this point a pod of dolphins started swimming with him.
“It was an extraordinary display,” he said.
“I looked ahead of me to see a dolphin breaking the water right in front of me.
“Then I was aware that they were swimming underneath me. It was wonderful and I think they knew I was struggling.”
As well as the dolphins, Paul was helped in his attempt by Philip and Dirk, fellow Channel soloists and volunteers for Aspire, and his partner Anna.
The crew were responsible for ensuring Paul was given as much nutrition as possible, a huge challenge as he was not allowed to touch the boat at any point.
Battling very strong tides, he finally landed at Wissant Bay at 6.45pm, having begun his swim at 2.30am.
Paul said: “Stepping clear of the water was one of the best moments of my life.
“I was exhausted, cold but exhilarated. I am delighted to have raised so much money for the charity I have worked for these last 13 years.
“It’s also been hugely emotional. I cannot get over the support and generosity that I have received from so many people – and also dolphins.”
He raised £16,000 for the charity and completed the swim in 16 hours and 13 minutes.
To view his fundraising page, click here.
Brian Carlin, Aspire’s CEO, said: “We are in awe that Paul has once again undertaken such a massive challenge for Aspire.
“The £16,000 he has raised so far will help us continue to support people with spinal cord injuries.
“We are immensely grateful for everything he has done during his time at Aspire.”
