Four Swimmers. Three Great Charities. Two Coastlines. One Very Cold Channel.

This August, the four of us – all working in the construction industry – are taking on an epic endurance challenge: a relay swim across the English Channel!

That’s right – we’ll be braving freezing waters, dodging jellyfish, and questioning our life choices one mile at a time, armed with little more than a swimsuit and determination. Together, we’ll be swimming the roughly 21-mile stretch from England to France – all to raise money for some truly inspiring charities.

Meet the Team:
🏊‍♂️ Steve Henigan – CEO of HCG and the one responsible for calling this a “fun idea”
🏊‍♂️ Tim Spencer – Partner at RLB and our in-house quantity surveyor (he’s crunched the numbers on our chances of hypothermia)
🏊‍♂️ Ryan Powell – Project Manager at Seven, hopefully managing our jellyfish encounters
🏊‍♀️ Savanah Watts – Interior Designer at HLW and the lone woman on the team, quietly planning to outswim the boys

✨ Team update: Sadly, Tim Spencer has had to withdraw from the swim due to injury. We are truly gutted not to have him with us during the swim but he’s still very much part of the team. We’re incredibly grateful to Paul Harris, a friend of Steve’s, who has kindly stepped in to complete the team and take on this huge challenge with us.

Coming from different corners of the construction world, we're united by our love of a challenge and a shared commitment to making a difference. This adventure isn’t just about testing our limits—it’s about supporting causes that matter deeply to us.

We’d love your support—whether that’s through a donation, sharing our story, or simply cheering us on. Every bit of encouragement helps turn this wild idea into something truly impactful.

💙 Our Chosen Charities

Carers Trust UK
Supports unpaid carers across the UK by providing vital resources that allow them to live fulfilling lives. They help lead The Young Carers Alliance, which is focused on improving the well-being and future opportunities of young carers—many of whom face significant challenges to their education, health, and life chances because of their caregiving responsibilities.

Why this charity matters to us:
"My nan cared for her disabled twin sisters her entire life until the age of 94. My mum worked as a carer, often witnessing young children shouldering the heavy responsibility of caring for loved ones. Growing up surrounded by carers, I am proud to help raise money for such a meaningful cause." - Savanah

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Ataxia UK
10,500 people in the UK have ataxia which is a progressive neurological condition that disrupts the messages sent from our brains to our muscles that are used to move, speak, listen and see. Ataxia UK funds research into finding treatments and a cure and provide support until they are found.

Why this charity matters to us:
"My friend’s son Iain Fryatt was diagnosed with Friedreichts Ataxia when he was 9 years old. Iain’s response was a determination not to let this condition prevent him from living his life to the fullest extent possible. This tenacity led him to be the first person with Ataxia and the first using a mountain trike to successfully ascend Mt Kilimanjaro. Sadly Iain passed away in 2024 and I am proud to continue to raise both awareness and funds to this much needed cause in his memory." - Steve

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The Peel
The Peel is a charity that’s been building a connected community in Clerkenwell since 1898. They run activities for adults, activities for children and young people and mental health awareness projects.
- They help children living in poverty to improve their life chances by connecting them and their families with others in the community.
- They help older people who are lonely or at risk of isolation to become active citizens by connecting them with others in the community.
- They provide opportunities for all residents of Clerkenwell to participate in activities through which they can make acquaintances across divides, for mutual benefit.

Why this charity matters to us:
"Supporting The Peel, a local charity, is especially important to us at Seven as they make a real difference to the lives of people in our community. As a business rooted in this area, we believe in giving back and contributing to the wellbeing of the environment we live and work in. The Peel’s work aligns with our values of connection, inclusivity, and local impact — they provide vital support, opportunities, and a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds in Clerkenwell." - Ryan

Wish us luck & thanks for the support!