Monica's English Channel Swim for Cancer Charity

Hi …my name is Monica Tonner and I am going to swim the English Channel to help raise funds for a wonderful cancer charity called Mending Casts. The swim will take place on 20th August 2023, starting in Dover (UK) and finishing at Cape Gris Nez (France) some 34km and around 14hrs later. I’ll be guided by Pilot boat driver Andy King on the “Louise Jane” and ratified by the Channel Swim Association (CSA). My hope is that by travelling halfway around the world to overcome this significant challenge I can inspire others to do the same, especially those dealing with cancer.

My chosen charity Mending Casts provides free respite retreats to people dealing with cancer. What is unique about these programs is that they use the health and well-being benefits of fly-fishing to reconnect people to nature, provide relief from their personal challenges and share their experiences with others in a non-clinical and supportive environment. These retreats are delivered through men’s and women’s programs called “Reel Recovery Australia” and “Casting for Recovery Victoria” respectively (see www.mendingcasts.org). I am an avid fly-fisher, as was my late father Peter Tonner, who sadly passed from prostate cancer more than 20 years ago. Fly-fishing brought great solace and positivity to my father as he dealt with the dramatic life changes that occurred when living with cancer. My hope is that this swim can raise some significant funds so that Mending Casts can provide more unique experiences for other cancer patients. The $60k target will fund these wonderful programs for a full year so please make a tax-deductible donation through this GoFundMe page.

Taking on the English Channel swim is a challenge that cannot be done lightly. I’m hoping my strong athletic and sailing background will hold me in good stead, having competed in half marathons, triathlons, Iron Man 70.3, Laser radial regattas, and many offshore sailing events including two Sydney to Hobart Yacht races. Based in Melbourne, Australia, I’m well into a rigorous training program which includes daily pool training, swim squad sessions and open water swimming (a weekly average between 35 to 40km) including twice weekly strength and conditioning sessions at the gym. As part of the preparation required, I’ve completed two Cold Swim camps in Melbourne and Sydney to qualify for the Channel swim, plus ultra-marathon swims and other distance events throughout the year. Up until we depart for the UK on 12th August, I’ll continue to train under the guidance of head coaches Robert Butcher, Vlad Mravec and nutritionist Christine Robson.

If you would like to track my progress, you can do so via the CSA UK website https://www.channelswimmingassociation.com/tracking

Wish me "Good Luck" and please donate to Mending Casts...it is such a worthy cause and one close to my heart.