Karen aiming to become the first British woman to complete the Oceans Seven for Alder Hey
UPDATE – JULY 2026
Karen Ennis has now successfully completed her final Oceans Seven swim, becoming the first British woman to complete the Oceans Seven Challenge.
After being forced to abandon her Tsugaru Strait attempt last year due to strong currents, Karen returned to Japan determined to finish what she started.
Karen has now completed all seven of the world’s most challenging open-water swims while raising vital funds for Alder Hey Children’s Charity.
Everyone at Alder Hey Children’s Charity is incredibly proud of Karen and grateful for her extraordinary support.
Karen Ennis, 53, from Burscough, Lancashire, is on the final leg of her incredible journey to complete the Oceans Seven Challenge – swimming seven of the world’s most difficult open water channels. She’s aiming to raise £100,000 for Alder Hey Children’s Charity along the way.
Her final swim will take place this July in Japan’s Tsugaru Strait (12.1 miles). Karen has already conquered:
- The English Channel – 21 miles
- Catalina Channel – 20 miles
- Strait of Gibraltar – 9 miles
- North Channel – 21.4 miles
- Kaiwi Channel – 26 miles
- Cook Strait – 14 miles
If successful, she’ll be the first British woman, only the 4th Briton, and the 35th person in the world to complete this 123.5-mile challenge.
Karen’s swimming journey began after a counselling session. Karen suffered a miscarriage in 2011 and again in 2014. A few years later, in 2018, her husband, Gary, died whilst training for an Iron Man challenge. Karen experienced PTSD and depression and had taken counselling to help her. At one of those sessions, a therapist encouraged her to take up a hobby she used to enjoy. Karen chose swimming. What started as a swim across Windermere soon led to the English Channel—and the Oceans Seven dream was born.
Along the way, Karen has faced freezing waters, jellyfish stings, seasickness, and exhaustion, but also unforgettable moments like swimming alongside thousands of wild dolphins.
To date, Karen has raised over £40,000 for Alder Hey. She says, “Fundraising for Alder Hey has given me purpose. If I can help just one person, it’s all worth it.”
Adam Dixon, from Alder Hey Children’s Charity calls Karen a true inspiration: “There’s only one word for Karen – Superwoman!”
Karen’s motto? “I can. I will. Watch me!”
You can sponsor Karen at Karen Ennis is fundraising for Alder Hey Children’s Charity.
