26/06/2026
Feel Good Friday | Karen becomes first British woman to complete the Oceans Seven challenge in support of Alder Hey 🥇
Karen Ennis has become the first British woman to complete the prestigious Oceans Seven Challenge, while raising money for Alder Hey Children's Charity.
Karen from Burscough, Lancashire, secured her place in marathon swimming history after successfully completing her final crossing of Japan's Tsugaru Strait this month. She joins an elite group of just 35 people worldwide to have conquered all seven of the world's toughest open-water channel swims.🏊♀️
Often described as the swimming equivalent of mountaineering's Seven Summits, the Oceans Seven requires swimmers to complete seven solo, unassisted crossings in some of the world's most challenging waters without a wetsuit, battling freezing temperatures, powerful currents, unpredictable weather and marine life.
The seven challenges are the English Channel, the North Channel between Ireland and Scotland, the Catalina Channel off California, USA, the Molokai (Kaiwi) Channel in Hawaii, the Cook Strait between New Zealand and the South Island, the Strait of Gibraltar between Spain and Morocco, and the Tsugaru Strait. Together, the seven swims cover an incredible 123.5 miles of some of the world's most challenging waters. 🌊
Karen's achievement follows an earlier attempt to cross the Tsugaru Strait, which was abandoned due to strong currents. She returned determined to finish the challenge and successfully completed the crossing on her second attempt.
Karen’s journey to the Oceans Seven began during one of the most difficult periods of her life.
After suffering miscarriages in 2011 and 2014, and later losing her husband, Gary, in 2018 while he was training for an Ironman challenge, Karen experienced PTSD and depression. During counselling, a therapist encouraged her to reconnect with a hobby she once loved, which was swimming.
What began with a swim across Windermere soon developed into a dream of crossing the English Channel, before growing into the ambition of completing the Oceans Seven.
Over the years, Karen has battled freezing waters, seasickness, powerful tides, jellyfish stings and exhaustion. She has also experienced unforgettable moments, including swimming alongside thousands of wild dolphins.
Alongside making history, Karen is also aiming to raise £100,000 for Alder Hey Children's Charity. Having already raised more than £40,000, she has proudly supported the charity throughout her Oceans Seven journey.
Karen said: "Fundraising for Alder Hey has given me purpose. If I can help just one person, it’s all worth it."
Adam Dixon from Alder Hey Children’s Charity said: "There’s only one word for Karen - Superwoman! What she has achieved is simply incredible. To become the first British woman to complete the Oceans Seven while raising funds for Alder Hey is an inspiration to us all. We are so thankful for her determination, courage and continued support of our charity."
Karen’s story is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through resilience, determination and purpose. ⭐
As Karen herself says: “I can. I will. Watch me.”
You're amazing Karen!
