Job Done – Lessons from the Pier to Pier Charity Swim

By Sam Thomas

It wasn’t quite how we planned it, but then again, does life ever go exactly to plan?

If the last few years have taught me anything, it’s that no matter how carefully we map things out, life will always find a way to trip us up, throw a few curveballs, and force us to adapt. And maybe that’s the point. Growth doesn’t come from things going perfectly; it comes from how we respond when they don’t.

As I often say, “Our greatest freedom in life is how we react to things.”

Last month, our Worthing Pier to Brighton Pier swim challenge was postponed due to bad weather. It was frustrating, months of preparation, training, and anticipation, all hanging on something completely out of our control. And, when we tried again the following week, the sea had other ideas.

But if there’s one thing I’ve learned through running businesses, hosting events, and working with people from all walks of life, it’s this a quote by my good friend Rob Starr MBE,

“We control the controllables and accept the uncontrollables.”

So, instead of cancelling, we adapted.

Same Mission, Different Waters

The challenge went ahead, not in the open sea, but in the incredible Sea Lanes in Brighton. A huge thank you to Ross Gilbert and his amazing team for welcoming us and giving us the space to make it happen.

Between us, we swam a combined 450 lengths, that’s 22.5 kilometres, and every single one of them mattered. Each stroke was a reminder of why we were doing it: to raise funds for the incredible Rockinghorse Children’s Charity, as well as shine a light on a cause that’s very close to my heart, men’s mental health.

When we first planned the challenge, we chose the distance of 12 miles deliberately, a mile for every man who dies from suicide every single day in the UK.

Let that sink in. Twelve men. Every day.

It’s a devastating statistic, and one that fuels everything I’m trying to do through the You Alright Mate? campaign and the #CheckInChallenge, simple reminders that checking in with someone, asking a question, or starting a conversation could literally save a life.

A Swim with Purpose

On 10th September was World Suicide Prevention Day. It’s a difficult day for many, a stark reminder of the pain and loss that ripple through families and communities, but also a chance to come together, raise awareness, and take action.

That’s what this swim was really about. It wasn’t about times, distances, or personal bests. It was about presence. Connection. And purpose.

The irony wasn’t lost on me, that we planned to swim between two piers, and yet ended up swimming between lane ropes. But in that pool, with two close friends, the symbolism was still there.

Every length represented a conversation, a life, a reminder that none of us swim this thing called life alone.

I couldn’t have asked for two better people to share it with than Craig
Whiteley and Matt Garman – The Corporate Adventurer®.

These two aren’t just teammates; they’re close friends. The kind of people who show up, in the pool, in life, and in the moments that really matter.

Their love, encouragement, and belief in me mean more than words can say. In a world that often tells men to “man up” or hide how they feel, Craig and Matt are the kind of men who remind you that real strength comes from vulnerability, and that having people by your side who get it is one of life’s greatest gifts.

So, to you both, thank you. I love you both.

Why This Matters

Thanks to everyone’s support we raised £2k for the amazing Rockinghorse Children’s charity, fund that will go directly to the sick children in Sussex that really need it.

Also we raised awareness for You Alright Mate? The campaign is about starting conversations,  the kind that can make a difference before it’s too late.

It’s about normalising honesty. Encouraging men to talk about what’s really going on behind the “I’m fine, mate.”

It’s about small gestures, a text, a call, a coffee, that remind someone they’re seen, heard, and valued. Because sometimes that’s all it takes.

That’s why we created the #CheckInChallenge, to get more people asking that simple question: “You alright, mate?” And more importantly, to stay and listen to the answer.

You don’t need training to make an impact. You just need compassion.

So yes, our grand sea adventure didn’t go quite as planned. But it turned into something even more meaningful.

A day that reminded me that flexibility isn’t failure. That sometimes, the plan changing is exactly what’s meant to happen.

We still swam the distance. We still raised awareness. We still made an impact.

And maybe, in a world obsessed with success measured in perfection, the real lesson was this: success is showing up anyway, even when the waves don’t cooperate.

Because whether in business, sport, or life, it’s not about how we perform when everything goes smoothly. It’s about how we adapt when it doesn’t.

That’s where character is built. That’s where growth happens. That’s where meaning is found.

So yes, Job Done.

And as I take a much-needed rest (and maybe a few deep breaths), I do so with gratitude, for the people who swam beside me, for those who supported from the sidelines, and for everyone continuing to spread this message.

Together, we’re not just swimming for charity. We’re swimming for change.

If you’d like to support the cause or take part in the #CheckInChallenge, you can find out more at:

Donate Here – https://www.justgiving.com/page/pier-to-pier-swim-relay

Find Out More Here – https://www.different-hats.co.uk/you-alright-mate

Because one question could save a life.

By Sam Thomas

Different Hats

https://www.different-hats.co.uk/