English Channel swimmer tells of shock after Nick Thomas tragedy

Mat Dams, of Newport, swam for 15 hours to tackle the English Channel for charity at night, just days before the death of Mr Thomas from Ellesmere.

The endurance athlete died after being pulled from the water during an attempt to swim the English Channel last month. He was close to the French coast when he fell ill and was rushed by his support crew to Calais Hospital, but medics could not save him.

There has been an outpouring of grief since his death, with a number of tribute events held in his native North Shropshire.

Mat, 30, said he was shocked to hear of Mr Thomas' death, and said the tragedy had had a profound impact on competitors planning to take on the challenge, who were part of a close-knit community of endurance swimmers.

He said: "News of Nick's death reached me very quickly. Friends shared articles with me and I received phone calls asking if I knew him.

"It is such a tragedy. I am not sure exactly what happened but there is always a risk when pushing your body to its limits. I feel a deep sadness for his family. It is so sad and it must have been horrific. He died doing something he loved and chasing his dream.

"Before Afghan tours and before all my rough sea training sessions, I would tell my girlfriend not to be sad if anything happens as I am doing what I enjoy.

"It is little consolation for the family but not many people get to die following their dream.

"Between May and September, there is a small group of about 20 to 30 people that meet every Saturday and Sunday morning to swim in Dover harbour.

"A few are there for recreation but most are training for a Channel crossing or other marathon swims. The conditions but relative safety of the harbour attract swimmers from all over the world looking to acclimatise ready for their attempts.

"I became close friends with three Australians but also met some Americans, Austrians, a Romanian and a lady from Kazakstan.

"We would all meet everyday during our swim window for short swims to stay loose. Everyone is united by a common goal and it is the shared experience and understanding of hardship that helps forge lasting friendships."

When taking on his own challenge Mat, hadn't planned to swim at night, but the weather and tide window meant that he was waiting until quite late to take the challenge on August 15.

He said: "It was tough, but it went well. I hadn't planned to swim through the night, but that was another challenge we had to overcome.

"I was constantly trying to work out where I was within relation to the shoreline, and I was trying to work out how far I'd come.

"There was a point where I thought I'd gone about three quarters of the distance, but I wasn't actually even half way – it was very demoralising.

"It took me longer than I had hoped, but the tide pull and current was pulling us north. I didn't make much ground in the final few hours."

In the end, Mat managed to reach France. It was one of two challenges he had set himself, the other being the Marathon des Sables race through the Sahara Desert.

He has currently raised more than £3,730, which will go to The Royal Marines Charitable Trust and Medecins Sans Frontieres.

Mat said: "By the time I'd finished, I couldn't walk up the shore. I was drifting parallel to the shore. I swam about seven miles extra within a mile of my target."

Mat has no plans to tackle any other challenges for the time being, but will be visiting Everest next year to take in the atmosphere. "The cost of actually going up would mean we'd need a lot of sponsorship, but I'd like to just go, have a look and take in the atmosphere."

For more about Matt's journey or to donate, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/BySeaBySand