Nicola Done-Orrell, a dedicated volunteer at Moya Cole Hospice, has raised £10,000 for the charity by swimming from Jersey to France as part of a relay team. The challenging open water swim, which took place on July 7, saw Nicola and her team cover the distance in 7 hours and 30 minutes.
A Long-Awaited Swim
Nicola, an avid open water swimmer, had originally planned to make the crossing solo last year. “I was originally meant to solo swim from Jersey to France. I trained for 56 weeks, and we had to cancel the week I was meant to do it due to weather conditions,” she explained. “That was last year. This year I decided to do it as part of a relay team.”
The team set off from the coast of Jersey at 4.30am on July 7. Nicola began the relay, jumping off the boat in the darkness, an experience she described as ‘terrifying’. She said, “It took us 7 hours and 30 mins to get to France. We rotated every hour. It was an absolutely perfect day. Flat calm waters, and we had dolphins swimming with us for an hour. They were circling the boat and just playing.”
An Emotional Journey
The swim held deep personal significance for Nicola, as it coincided with the anniversary of her mother’s death. “It was also poignant as the swim took place on the anniversary of my mum’s death. I felt like she was with me all the way,” she said. When she wasn’t swimming, Nicola was on board the safety boat.
Upon reaching France, the team received a warm welcome. “The moment we got to France was so lovely. There were 15 people on the beach, all locals, standing there clapping for us as we swam in. It was quite emotional,” Nicola recalled.
Supporting a Cause Close to Her Heart
Nicola, who has volunteered at the hospice for 12 years, chose to donate the funds to Moya Cole Hospice. “I did it because I love the hospice. I’ve volunteered here for 12 years. I only ever raise money for the hospice. It’s where my heart is. It’s such a fantastic place and you never know when you or your family might need it,” she said.
Her volunteer work includes helping with the drinks trolley, serving lunches, and organising afternoon teas. “I’m hands on in there. I get to see the good they do. I see how fantastic the staff are and the service they give,” she added.
Next Challenge
Nicola is already looking ahead to her next big outing: an open water swimming competition in Barbados in November. Her fundraising efforts continue to support the hospice, which provides holistic care to patients with life-limiting illnesses, including inpatient care, day therapy, and supportive outpatient services at its sites in Heald Green, Stockport, and Little Hulton, Salford.
The hospice also offers community and outreach services, such as Hospice at Home in Salford and Trafford, a Community Specialist Palliative Care Team in Salford, and a homelessness palliative care service in Manchester. A 24-hour telephone advice line is available to patients, carers, and healthcare professionals in Salford, Manchester, Trafford, and Stockport.
