Attempting a World Record at 75: Andy and Team 457 Take on the English Channel for EHAAT

Supporter Andy Nation from Knebworth and five fellow swimmers are preparing for a record-breaking challenge this summer – an English Channel relay swim that could land them a place in the Guinness World Records.

Andy Nation Swimming the Channel ’23

Their goal? To become the oldest mixed relay team ever to complete the crossing. The current record stands at 72 years and 89 days. But Andy’s team, named 457 YEARS after their combined age, will have an average age of 76 years and 79 days when they take on the 21+ mile swim at some point between 31st July and 8th August, depending on weather conditions.

Joining Andy in this inspiring feat is truly an international team of veteran long-distance swimmers with Australians Don Riddington and Ellery McGowan, American Christine Pitman, and Brits Sarah Edwards Dunstan and Chris Carter, managed by 34-time Channel swimmer Kevin Murphy.

Together, they aim not only to beat the record but also to raise £5,000 for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT).

A Remarkable Journey

Andy’s swimming journey began in 2005, when he completed a 147-mile swim from the source of the River Thames to Teddington, where it becomes tidal. But everything changed in 2012 when a serious accident left Andy quadriplegic, just three weeks before he was due to attempt a solo swim from Teddington to Calais (www.teddingtontocalais2012.org.uk).

“Ironically, I didn’t get an air ambulance for my broken neck,” Andy says, “but I did receive a very quick response from a road ambulance to Lister Hospital. I was transferred to Addenbrooke’s the next day, where incredible surgeons managed to restore feeling to my limbs after two operations on my spine.”

Thanks to his remarkable recovery, Andy returned to swimming and fundraising with his Teddington to Calais swim taking place just one year later. And in 2023, he helped break another Guinness World Record, as part of the oldest male relay team to cross the Channel, raising funds for EHAAT along the way.

Now, he’s ready to do it again, with a new record in sight and a new goal for the charity close to his heart.

“I chose to support EHAAT because I wanted a charity that was there for everyone and has little day-to-day Government funding,” Andy explains.

“Having faced a medical emergency myself, I know how vital it is to get expert help fast and that’s what EHAAT provides. Beyond breaking the record, I want to prove I’ve still got it in me and raise as much as I can. The target is £5,000, but I’d love to blow that figure ‘out of the water’, so to speak.”

Andy’s fundraising page is now live at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/andy-nation-4

“An inspiration to us all”

Charlotte Evans, Senior Fundraising Co-ordinator at EHAAT, said:

“We’re so thankful to Andy for choosing to raise money for EHAAT through this amazing challenge. His story is one of resilience, strength and determination and it’s truly inspiring.

We wish Andy and team 457 YEARS the very best of luck with their world record attempt. Please show them your support, every donation will help us continue providing our life-saving care to those who need it most, when every second counts.”

To help reach his fundraising target, Andy has arranged a talk at the Welwyn 41 Club, which will be delivered by an EHAAT volunteer. To find out more about fundraising and how we will support you every step, or in Andy’s case, stroke of the way, please contact our friendly fundraising team.

Andy (first left) and Don (fourth left) by escort boat