Breaking Waves and Barriers: Ostomate Gill Castle’s Historic English Channel Swim

Aerial view of the White Cliffs of Dover. Close up view of the cliffs from the sea side. England, East Sussex. Between France and UK

Gill Castle has made history as the first ostomate to finish a solo swim across the English Channel. She took nearly 14 hours to swim the waters from Dover to Wissant, France, aiming to raise awareness for birth injuries and the experiences of those living with stomas.

Gill, from Alnwick in Northumberland, underwent a colostomy in 2011 following an injury received following the birth of her son. She took on the challenge to demonstrate that “you can do anything with a stoma”. She has also founded Chameleon Buddies, a charity supporting women in the UK and globally who have suffered childbirth-related injuries.

Gill’s incredible cross-Channel swim has raised over £17,000 in donations for her charity. To learn more about the fantastic work or donate, visit Chameleon Buddies. Gill, we salute you!

 

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