Toby Lipatti-Mesme

4:00pm - 7:00pm

Email the studio

Bob Marley

Could You Be Loved

Listen Live

Harrogate woman swims English Channel for charity

Tuesday, 3 September 2024 07:00

Harrogate's Millie Bell completed her 'dream' of swimming the English Channel solo.

A Harrogate woman has raised more than £3,300 for charity after swimming the English Channel solo.

24-year-old Millie Bell swam the 21 miles from Dover to Northern France last month whilst fundraising for St Michael’s Hospice and Cosmic.

Millie was able to complete the incredible feat in 13 hours and 11 minutes.

She started her journey at Shakespeare Beach I Dover at 2:54am before swimming through the night.

She told Your Harrogate:

“After 3 years of training, I achieved my dream of swimming the English Channel.

“I will now focus on recovery before training resumes for the Ice Swimming World Championships in Italy in 2025 where I will be representing Great Britain.”

Speaking about the challenge, Millie recalled the final moments before reaching the finishing point - a lighthouse at Cap Griz Nez.

She said:

“After around 12 and a half hours of swimming my pilot stuck his head out the window and I was told I needed to push, at that point I had 1500m to go but the tide was about to change and I would have face another 2 or 3 hours swimming to land.

“With my support crew cheering me, I found some energy and managed to up to pace!”

Millie was fundraising for St Michael’s Hospice, who cared for her grandmother, and Cosmic who provide emergency care for babies and infants.

She’s raised £3,379 to date, smashing her original target of £2,000.

If you’d like to contribute to Millie’s fundraising campaign, find her JustGiving page here

More from Local News

Harrogate choir named national finalists for third consecutive year

The Harrogate Ladies’ College Chapel Choir will represent Yorkshire at the 2026 Barnardo's National Choir Competition, having secured a third consecutive appearance at the prestigious final.
Chairman admits 'deep disappointment' but urges faith in Harrogate Town

Harrogate Town chairman Irving Weaver has admitted he shares supporters' frustration with the club's league position - but insists the fight to remain in League Two is far from over.
Winter Olympics: Harrogate man captains Trinidad and Tobago bobsleigh team

A Harrogate man is captaining Trinidad and Tobago's bobsleigh team at the Winter Olympics, which begin today (Friday) in Italy.
Michelin-starred chef Marco Pierre White visits Harrogate restaurant

Michelin-starred chef Marco Pierre White has full of praise for a Harrogate fish and chip restaurant following a visit earlier this week.
Reasons behind the inevitability of above-inflation council tax rise at North Yorkshire Council

North Yorkshire councillors are expected agree a 4.99 per cent increase in their authority’s share of the council tax bill when they meet next week.
Harrogate named among world's most welcoming places

Harrogate has been named in Booking.com's 'Top 10 Most Welcoming Cities for 2026' - and is the only UK destination to feature in the list.
Police search for Ripon glasses thief

Police have released CCTV images of a woman following the theft of glasses from a Ripon shop.
Harrogate bus firm celebrates one year since launch of all-electric fleet

The Harrogate Bus Company is celebrating one year since the order of 41 state-of-the-art, eco-friendly vehicles was completed.
Community invited to give feedback on plans for new homes in Scotton

Bellway Strategic Land is hosting a public consultation event for local people to have their say on plans for new homes in Scotton.
Tributes paid to former Ripon cricketer Peter Squires

Tributes have been paid to former Ripon cricketer Peter Squires, who has died aged 74.
Ripon's festive tractor run raises £7,000 for charity

A festive tractor run through Ripon has raised more than £7,000 for Yorkshire Cancer Research, following confirmation of the final total this week.
Almost 300 Harrogate NHS patients faced two-month wait for cancer treatment last year

Almost 300 patients at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust waited longer than the NHS standard of 62 days to begin cancer treatment last year, according to the latest available figures.
Gaming festival returns to Harrogate for third year

A popular gaming and toys event is returning to Harrogate for a third year.
Record number of Ripon pupils receive Oxbridge offers

A record-breaking twelve students at the North's top-performing state school are celebrating Oxbridge offers.
Where are the best places for afternoon tea in Harrogate?

Afternoon tea remains a popular way to spend a relaxed afternoon in and around Harrogate, with venues ranging from country estates to town-centre hotels.
Which venues have signed up for Harrogate Restaurant Week?

Harrogate Restaurant Week is returning this month, in partnership with Harrogate BID.
Harrogate powerlifter selected to represent Team England at Commonwealth Games

A Harrogate powerlifter has been selected to represent Team England at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Pannal girls' teams enjoy special matchday experience at Manchester City

Young players from Pannal Sports Junior FC enjoyed a matchday to remember after winning a competition that saw them step onto the pitch at a Manchester City Women fixture.
PR skills in high demand as Harrogate small business event sells out

Two Yorkshire PR experts say demand is outstripping supply for their events for small businesses.
Inspirational Ripon woman nominated for Yorkshire Choice Award following fundraising feat

A Ripon woman who overcame life-changing injuries to complete a demanding charity challenge has been nominated for a Yorkshire Choice Award, recognising her courage.