Wiltshire swimmer to cross English Channel for mental health

A swimmer is preparing to cross the English Channel to demonstrate how building mental stamina can help in overcoming challenges.

Premal Pattani, from Swindon in Wiltshire, is due to swim 35km (21 miles) from England to France later this month in a bid to raise £10,000 for mental health charity Mind.

The 15-hour swim in frigid water will be completed solo, without a wetsuit, alongside sharks, jellyfish and debris in one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.

Since struggling with his mental health issues at university, Mr Pattani says fitness has played an instrumental role in improving his strength, resilience and outlook on life.

Mental stamina refers to the ability to maintain focus and determination, especially under pressure or during challenging tasks.

“I believe endurance sport is a great way to keep the body healthy, but more importantly, keep the mind healthy,” he told BBC Radio Wiltshire.

“I just believe that if you surround yourself in certain arenas, the possibilities of what you can accomplish are unlimited.

“If you dream big and input a clear strategy of how to get there, you 100% can.”

Mr Pattani will become the 35th Indian man to have accomplished this feat.

He will do so in a strictly regulated uniform of Speedos, a swimming cap and goggles.

“It’s very bare and basic, no luxuries to keep you warm,” he said.

“You’re also not able to touch the boat, which usually frightens people when I say that.

“Every half an hour, when we take our carbohydrates to keep our energy levels up, we have to tread water. You’ve got no buoyancy devices with you except for your lungs.”

Mr Pattani added his love of the water was initially borne out of fear.

“My father nearly drowned in a river in Nairobi, where he grew up, so he very rarely goes into the water and is quite scared of it,” he explained.

“So my parents made sure me and my sister were water confident from an early age. Again, it just comes down to your mindset.”