Phil Rising and Eileen Fenton

Folkestone Open Air Pool 1951, Phil Rising & Eileen Fenton

Phil Rising was a founder member of the British Long Distance Swimming Association and was the President of the organisation. He was successful in his 1951 France – England swim with a time of 15hrs 55mins.

In 1952 he swam from England – France in a time of 18 hrs 38 mins. He was the fourth to swim from both E/F and F/E the others were Edward Temme, Thomas Blower and William Edward (Ned)Barnie; swimmers who swam in both directions were known as members of the ”Jelly Fish” club.

Eileen Fenton, a 21 year old scripture teacher from Dewsbury, Yorkshire, was the first lady to finish the 1950 race, in a time of 15hrs 31mins, and received a winners cheque of £1000

The townsfolk of Dewsbury in Yorkshire paid Eileens expenses by raising a subscription fund. Alderman M. Scargill, said: ” A few sceptics thought that Eileen was such a slight, quiet sort of a girl that she would not stand a chance. But the town backed her to the hilt and we have won handsomely.”

In the 1951 race she was unsuccessful in a time of 12hrs 50mins.

Eileen is a founder member of the British Long Distance Swimming Association