Nick Flanagan, who works at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust (STSFT), plans to swim between the continents by crossing the Gibraltar Strait, a 14.4km open-water route from Tarifa in Spain to Morocco.
The 34-year-old endurance athlete, originally from Waterford in Ireland and now living in South Shields, is taking on the challenge to raise funds for the trust’s cancer fund through the STS Charity.
North East physiotherapist Nick Flanagan will attempt a 14.4km open-water swim across the Gibraltar Strait from Spain to Morocco to raise funds for cancer care (Image: Supplied)
Mr Flanagan said: “Training for the Gibraltar Strait has been unlike anything I’ve ever done, physically, mentally, and emotionally.
“It wasn’t just about getting fit, it was about preparing to move through one of the most unpredictable stretches of water on the planet.
“From long, meditative pool sessions to early morning sea swims, my life became a cycle of aching shoulders, cold water and relentless practice.
“I learned to stay calm when my hands went numb, to fight through headwinds that made me feel like I wasn’t moving, and to trust myself when the water pushed and pulled in every direction.
“Strength work, stability training, and endless rotator cuff exercises kept me durable enough to handle the distance, but the biggest challenge was mental.”
The Strait of Gibraltar is one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes and part of the Oceans Seven, a marathon swimming challenge consisting of seven of the toughest channel swims on the planet.
Mr Flanagan will face risks including strong currents, cold water, jellyfish, and marine life such as sharks and orcas.
He will swim with support from two pilot boats, one for navigation and communication and the other for providing him with food and drink—without physical contact, as touching a boat would disqualify him.
The crossing is co-ordinated by the Strait of Gibraltar Swimming Association and can take up to six hours, depending on conditions.
Mr Flanagan said: “The moment I knew I was ready wasn’t after a perfect session, it was after a messy, brutal one where I kept going anyway.
“That’s when I realised I am ready to attempt it.
“Most of my friends, family, and swim team think I am crazy to even attempt it, and honestly, I agree.
“However, I strongly believe ‘What is for you, won’t pass you’ and this is my opportunity.
“It’s also raising money for a fantastic cause.”
Mr Flanagan leads the cancer prehabilitation team at STSFT, working to improve patients’ physical, nutritional, and psychological wellbeing before treatment begins.
The funds raised will support the trust’s cancer fund, part of STS Charity, which helps enhance patient care by providing extra equipment, improving facilities, and delivering specialist rehabilitation programmes.
The charity also supports patients, families, carers, and staff.
He is coached by Irish Olympian and Commonwealth athlete Russell White and trains with Wearside Triathlon, with additional strength sessions at Studio H in South Shields.
The swim is scheduled to take place between Monday, March 30 and Wednesday, April 8, depending on weather and sea conditions.
Anyone wishing to donate to Mr Flanagan’s fundraising effort can do so via the Gibraltar Strait Swim for STS Charity (Cancer Services) link.