Hi everyone, I’m Chris Hill – addiction recovery specialist, author, and founder of the Rob Hill Foundation, a charity created in memory of my twin brother Rob, who tragically lost his life to addiction. His story fuels my mission: helping others beat addiction and improve their mental health through education, compassion, and support.
Following on from the success last year of my 950-mile run across the whole of the UK, this year I’m challenging myself in September to swim across the English Channel, but before that, I’m inviting you to join me in a national charity Swimathon to show unity and strength for those battling mental health and raise much-needed funds for our charity robhillfoundation.org.
This is your invitation to take part in the Rob Hill Foundation Swimathon on Saturday, 26th July 2025. It’s a nationwide event to raise vital funds for mental health support across the UK.
On that day, I’m taking on the challenge of a 12-hour non-stop swim at Dover Harbour, so we’re asking supporters around the country to take on their own 1 Mile Challenge Swimathon – wherever you are, in any pool, at any pace.
This isn’t just a fitness challenge. For some, it’s a step toward healing, a way to reconnect, or a moment to start talking about the mental health struggles we all face.
I’m also inviting those that would like to join me in the sea at Dover to complete their 1 Mile Swim or to come and support me on the sidelines and enjoy a nice day at the seaside while I complete my 12-hour challenge 🙂
To understand how far 1 mile is:
In a 25 metre pool = 64 lengths
In a 50 metre pool = 32 lengths
In the sea, we’ll help you on the day 🙂
Of course, this challenge can be done over a few days, so try not to let the distance put you off. Remember, you are now part of my 21-mile swim across the English Channel and helping us raise funds to run free mental health and addiction workshops across the UK and online, with more education reaching schools, local community groups, and charities.
Option 1: Start Your Fundraising Page
Click “Start Fundraising” to create your own page
Set up your own challenge: "My Sponsored 1 Mile Swim for Mental Health"
If you need help with text for your fundraising page - Please Click Here
Share your link with friends and family – ask for one-off donations to encourage you to complete your challenge 🙂
Plus, we’ve put together a quick video tutorial to help you launch your fundraising page in minutes! - Click Here to see the step by step video guide.
Option 2: Request a Fundraising Kit
Prefer offline? Fill out our form below and receive your digital fundraising kit, including:
Sponsor forms
Social templates
Tips to get started + More
Let’s get the nation swimming, fundraising, and talking about mental health. Here's how you can make waves:
Share your page across social media with a photo or video from the pool
Use our hashtags: #SwimForMentalHealth #RobHillFoundation #Swimathon2025
Tell your “why” – why this challenge matters to you
Invite a friend to join you and swim together
Ask local groups, schools, or employers to get involved or sponsor your effort
This is also the perfect excuse to reconnect with someone you haven’t spoken to in a while – invite them to swim or support you.
Can’t swim? You can still make a difference.
Head to: www.justgiving.com/robhillfoundation
Find a fundraiser or team and click "Donate"
Leave a personal message of support
Sponsor a person with a heartfelt donation and message – every penny helps fund life-saving mental health support
On Saturday 26th July, while fundraisers across the UK complete their 1 Mile Swims, I’ll be pushing myself to the limit in a 12-hour continuous swim at Dover Harbour.
This will be one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done – but I’ll be fuelled by your stories, your swims, and your support. We’ll be broadcasting live throughout the day on Facebook, so come and cheer us on digitally – or in person if you’re local!