North Channel Swim
In an extraordinary feat of endurance and dedication, wild swimmer Holly Monson is preparing to take on the challenge of a lifetime.
In July 2025, Holly will attempt to swim the formidable 34.5km stretch from Donaghadee, Northern Ireland, to Port Patrick, Scotland. Donned in a swimming costume, cap and goggles, only stopping to feed from the water. This epic crossing is expected to take approximately 14 hours in open water, where she will battle the elements, strong tidal currents, lion's mane jellyfish and the ever-present chill of the North Channel.
Holly, a proud member of the Donaghadee Chunky Dunkers, will be the first from this wild swimming group to attempt this arduous crossing, a true testament to her passion for the sea, the benefits it can bring and her love of the Donaghadee community. But she’s not just swimming for personal achievement - Holly’s diving in for a cause that reaches across the waves, using this incredible challenge to raise vital funds for the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) and the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG). Both charities share a common ethos and are dedicated to the conservation of marine mammals in the waters off Scotland and Ireland.
Both HWDT and IWDG monitor and protect whales, dolphins and porpoises. These creatures are highly mobile and there’s overlap in the individuals we see in Scotland and Ireland. This is well documented through the movements of some bottlenose dolphins – a coastal species – where some individuals ‘jump pod’ and take a Celtic holiday. Some ‘Scottish’ bottlenose dolphins have been spotted off Ireland, and vice-versa. Holly’s fundraising efforts will directly support research, conservation, and community engagement initiatives that safeguard these incredible marine mammals for future generations.
“Holly’s dedication to the ocean and its inhabitants is nothing short of inspiring. This swim represents the spirit of determination and connection that drives our work. With her support, we can continue to study and protect the remarkable bottlenose dolphins that bridge our two nations.”
“Marine conservation knows no borders, just like our dolphins. Holly’s challenge is not only an awe-inspiring test of human endurance but a powerful statement about the importance of working together to protect our shared marine heritage.”
Holly’s journey will be an immense physical and mental challenge, but she is driven by a deep love for the ocean and the animals found in it. Now, she needs your support to turn the tide for conservation. Every donation, no matter how big or small, will help HWDT and IWDG continue their crucial work studying and protecting whales, dolphins, and porpoises in these shared waters.
Let’s rally behind Holly as she takes on this epic challenge! You can support her by donating to her fundraiser and spreading the word about her incredible swim. Together, we can ensure a brighter future for our marine wildlife.