Record amount raised in 2026 Jersey-France challenge

This year's Jersey to France challenge has raised a record-breaking amount for Dementia Jersey.

16 teams completed the 14-mile crossing from La Coupe Point to the beach north of Carteret.

They set off at 7:15am on Saturday and battled choppy seas during the opening three hours, but the sea settled and skies cleared after that, with some teams spotting dolphins en-route!

The 74 swimmers took turns in hour-long relays, supported by their skippers and boat crews.

It was the most international field so far, with swimmers and teams from Jersey, France, England, and Spain.

That included four water polo teams and four French teams.

The Water Polo 1 team crossed the finish line in France first with a time of seven hours and three minutes in the water, winning the non-wetsuit category.

The wetsuit category was won by Team Spain with a time of seven hours and 24 minutes - they also picked up the highest fundraising team award, having raised £12,296 for Dementia Jersey.

Team Spain was made up of the Postigo family, with captain Jorge Postigo swimming alongside his brothers Iván and Marco and nephew Kai.

Jorge said:

"It didn’t take much to convince my family to take it on together as an all-family team.

"We never imagined it would become such an important moment for all of us. Dementia is a cause that hits close to home for our family. The day turned out to be more than we could have imagined - one we’ll never forget.

"It was a smooth, beautiful swim, contested right to the end, and once we reached Carteret we celebrated with the other teams. All in all, an unforgettable experience."

The teams were welcomed ashore in France by the Mayor of Barneville-Carteret, David Legouet, along with Deputy Kirsten Morel.

Mayor Legouet said:

"This event, which has been held for several years, strengthened the bonds of friendship between the people of Jersey and Barneville."

More than £56,000 has been raised for Dementia Jersey so far.

Event founder Simon O'Donoghue said:

"Sixteen teams, four water polo teams, four French teams, seventy-plus swimmers, and every single person out there for the same reason: to do 
something hard, together, for a cause that means something.

"What is particularly satisfying is seeing the Challenge continue to grow, both in the range of teams taking part and in the money we are raising. Just a week ago we were sitting on £14,000, so to finish with over £56,000 for Dementia Jersey is an extraordinary result."

A matched-donation pledge from an anonymous donor, up to £20,000, helped to boost donations in the final week ahead of the challenge.

Nadine Jagger, Fundraising and Communications Coordinator, said:

"£56,300 is an incredible amount raised which will have a lasting impact on people affected by dementia across Jersey. We are hugely grateful to every swimmer, skipper, supporter and those behind the scenes who made this year’s Jersey France Challenge such a success.

"To see the fundraising grow so significantly in the final days, particularly with the generous matched-donation pledge, was truly remarkable. Every pound raised will make a real difference, helping us continue to provide free advice and support to islanders affected by dementia. We cannot  thank everyone involved enough for their generosity and commitment."

The challenge will return next year.