Karen Ennis Becomes First British Woman to Complete the Oceans Seven Challenge
Alder Hey Children’s Charity is celebrating an extraordinary achievement as supporter Karen Ennis has become the first British woman ever to complete the prestigious Oceans Seven Challenge.
After successfully completing her final swim across Japan’s Tsugaru Strait in July 2026, Karen, 53, from Burscough, Lancashire, has officially joined an elite group of just 35 people worldwide to have conquered all seven of the world’s most challenging open-water channel swims.
In completing the challenge, Karen has not only made history as the first British woman to achieve this remarkable feat, but has also continued her mission to raise an incredible £100,000 for Alder Hey Children’s Charity.
You can sponsor Karen here – Karen Ennis is fundraising for Alder Hey Children’s Charity.
Karen’s final swim came after an earlier attempt at the Tsugaru Strait was cut short due to strong currents. Undeterred, she returned to Japan determined to finish what she started – and successfully completed the crossing to secure her place in marathon swimming history.
Often described as the swimming equivalent of mountaineering’s Seven Summits, the Oceans Seven is regarded as one of the toughest endurance challenges in the world.
The challenge requires swimmers to complete seven solo, unassisted crossings of some of the most demanding open-water channels on the planet. Swimmers must face freezing temperatures, powerful currents, unpredictable weather, marine life and long hours in the water – all without the aid of a wetsuit.
Karen has now successfully completed:
- The English Channel (England to France) – 21 miles
- Catalina Channel (California, USA) – 20 miles
- Strait of Gibraltar (Spain to Morocco) – 9 miles
- North Channel (Scotland to Ireland) – 21.4 miles
- Kaiwi Channel (Hawaii, USA) – 26 miles
- Cook Strait (New Zealand) – 14 miles
- Tsugaru Strait (Japan) – 12.1 miles
Together, the seven swims cover an astonishing 123.5 miles of some of the world’s most challenging waters.
Karen’s journey to the Oceans Seven began during one of the most difficult periods of her life.
After suffering miscarriages in 2011 and 2014, and later losing her husband Gary in 2018 while he was training for an Ironman challenge, Karen experienced PTSD and depression. During counselling, a therapist encouraged her to reconnect with a hobby she once loved.
That hobby was swimming.
What began with a swim across Windermere soon developed into a dream of crossing the English Channel, before growing into the ambition of completing the Oceans Seven.
Over the years, Karen has battled freezing waters, seasickness, powerful tides, jellyfish stings and exhaustion. She has also experienced unforgettable moments, including swimming alongside thousands of wild dolphins.
Throughout every challenge, Karen has proudly supported Alder Hey Children’s Charity.
To date, she has raised more than £40,000, with her sights firmly set on reaching her ambitious £100,000 fundraising target.
Karen said:
“Fundraising for Alder Hey has given me purpose. If I can help just one person, it’s all worth it.”
Everyone at Alder Hey Children’s Charity is incredibly proud of Karen and grateful for her extraordinary support.
Adam Dixon from Alder Hey Children’s Charity said:
“There’s only one word for Karen – Superwoman! What she has achieved is simply incredible. To become the first British woman to complete the Oceans Seven while raising funds for Alder Hey is an inspiration to us all. We are so thankful for her determination, courage and continued support of our charity.”
Karen’s story is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through resilience, determination and purpose.
As Karen herself says:
“I can. I will. Watch me.”
You can sponsor Karen at Karen Ennis is fundraising for Alder Hey Children’s Charity.
