12 September 2018 

A Wimbledon nanny who trained at the world-famous childcare education institution Norland College and now works as a Norland Nanny has thrown herself (literally) into raising funds for us.

Emily Hamilton swam the English Channel in August braving jellyfish and choppy water and has raised almost £1,700.

The water-loving nanny has always been a strong swimmer and wanted to mark her 30th year by doing a challenge for charity. Emily chose our Family Crisis Support Appeal because she knew what a lifeline it can been for parents of multiples who are in severe need or crisis.

The swim took 14 hours and she swam in relay with two team-mates from Red Top Swim, a London-based organisation for adults who want to swim more efficiently, for fun, fitness or racing.

Emily said: “Family Crisis Support, in association with Norland College, provides Norland Nannies on a voluntary basis to support these families at their lowest point and has so far proven to be a lifeline for 176 families. It’s a fantastic project.”

Emily has loved swimming since she was a child and had secretly always wanted to swim the channel. This was her first-ever attempt and her coach advised her to swim in a relay to see how she coped with the conditions.

She trained with friends Robbie and Ryan and is thrilled to have completed the swim.

Emily said: “I was really nervous beforehand. But I had great support and once the swim started you kind of got into a rhythm. We each swam for a full hour then got onto the boat and took on energy.

“There were lots of jellyfish and it seemed to take a long time for the white cliffs of Dover to disappear, but once they did we knew we were close to France.

“Sea swimming in the dark was also quite a weird experience, and the water was cold and choppy. However, we were told the water was warmer than usual because of the summer we’ve just had. It didn’t feel like it!

“It was tough physically and mentally but I am so pleased to have achieved this and raise the money for Twins Trust and their brilliant Family Crisis Support.”