At 4:30 am on the 24th of August, 2023, Stuart Donnachie (OK 1997) set off for a 35 km swim through icy-cold water across the North Channel for what would be a 12-hour swim!

Stuart Donnachie (OK 1997), an Old Kingswoodian who grew up on the campus whilst his mother, Sr Donnachie was the well loved san sister from 1994 to 2004 has recently taken up the challenge of swimming across the North Channel, a swim well known for being extremely tough.

With the support of fellow Kingswoodians and Chubb House boys; Justin Smith (OK 1997) and Paul Beevers (OK 1997), Stuart set off at 4:30 am from Donaghadee, and at 4:24 pm that afternoon he reached the Scottish coastline close to Portpatrick. This challenge was not without its risks, as Stuart swam through cold temperatures, jellyfish and choppy waters. But with the support of his team and friends he managed to reach his goal in under 12 hours.

This was Stuart’s second long distance swim, with his first being across the English Channel in 2019, which he completed in 14 hours and 20 minutes.

Congratulations Stuart on this amazing feat. Kingswood is incredibly proud of you!

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