Four Devon dads are preparing to take on one of the world’s toughest swimming challenges – and they’re doing it in memory of someone very special.
Known as the “Devon Daddies”, Nik Haynes, Olly White, Ross Szender and Adam Tapp will attempt to break the world record for a medley relay swim across the English Channel, while raising vital funds for Hospiscare.
The four friends will enter the water during a five-day window around 27 August, following more than two years of intensive training.
They will swim in relay, taking on a different stroke each – backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and front crawl. Each dad will swim for up to three hours, battling cold water, strong currents and unpredictable conditions as they attempt to beat the current world record of 11 hours and 29 minutes.
But for Ross, the challenge is about much more than swimming.
He is taking on the challenge in memory of his mum, who received care from Hospiscare during the final hours of her life following a short and devastating battle with cancer.
When her condition deteriorated, Hospiscare’s community team stepped in to provide vital care and support at home, despite a disruption to the 999 emergency service.
Ross will never forget the care his mum and family received.
“If we’re doing something like this, we’re going to do it for a charity and that has to be Hospiscare. The boys know how much my mum’s illness affected me and how much I want to give something back… They didn’t just care for mum, they cared for the whole family. They brought compassion, calm, and dignity into a situation that felt unbearable.”
“The work they do is incredible. So many people are going to need Hospiscare’s support – it’s invaluable and essential.”
You can hear more from Ross Szender as he shares the story behind this world record attempt in the video below:
Ross’ mum was diagnosed in 2023 and given just one month to live. She had worked as an NHS radiographer and mammographer before her retirement.
Ross credits his mum as the inspiration behind his passion for swimming. He said:
“She wanted me to be able to swim well. She’s the reason why I’m the swimmer that I am today.”
The Devon Daddies will swim the shortest route between England and France, from Shakespeare Beach at Folkestone to Cap Gris-Nez.
After more than two years of training alongside work and family life, the dads are now waiting for the call to enter the water.
Whatever happens on the day, they’ll be swimming with Ross’ mum in their thoughts – and with the families supported by Hospiscare firmly in their hearts. We wish them the very best of luck!
To donate to the Devon Daddies, or keep an eye on their progress, please visit their fundraising page.
