WUTH physiotherapist sets women’s world record for Dal Riata Channel Swim

A Wirral University Teaching Hospital (WUTH) physiotherapist has added another world-class achievement to her open water swimming career, breaking the women’s world record for the Dal Riata Channel Swim.

At the age of 53, Helen Hislop completed the gruelling 21km crossing from the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland to Ballycastle in Northern Ireland in 7 hours, 54 minutes and 10 seconds. Her record-breaking swim saw her battle strong currents, cold water, and large numbers of jellyfish to claim the fastest-ever women’s time.

Since her Dal Riata triumph, Helen has gone on to complete the UK Three Lakes Challenge, swimming the length of Loch Awe in Scotland, Windermere in England, and Llyn Tegid in Wales — a combined 59.9km in 27 hours and 44 minutes.

These accomplishments build on an already impressive swimming record. In January 2025, Helen was crowned Age Group World Champion in the 1000m Freestyle at the International Ice Swimming Association World Championships, and in 2021 she successfully completed a solo-swim of the English Channel.

Helen’s colleagues at WUTH closely follow her progress during events and celebrate her achievements. She said:
“I couldn’t do this without the encouragement I get from my team. They track my swims and cheer me on from afar, which really keeps me going during the toughest parts. Flexibility around my work is very much appreciated and makes a huge difference in being able to train at the level I need.”

Helen first took up outdoor swimming in 2019 with a local group in New Brighton, seeking health benefits and a fresh challenge. Having swum since childhood, she quickly progressed to endurance events, with her first long-distance achievement being a 10.5-mile swim of Lake Windermere.

Alongside her sporting success, Helen plays a vital role in rehabilitation physiotherapy for stroke patients at WUTH. Many of her patients need reconditioning after long hospital stays, with research showing that just seven days in bed can reduce muscle strength by around 10%.

Helen explained how her sporting mindset supports her work:
“Swimming has taught me the power of setting goals and taking progress step by step. That same approach is invaluable when I’m supporting patients, helping them understand the importance of achieving small milestones as part of a larger goal, dealing with setbacks and mapping out a realistic schedule so that they can feel more empowered with their own recovery.”

Her ultimate ambition is to complete the Original Triple Crown of Channel Swimming, comprising the English Channel, the North Channel, and the Bristol Channel.

Janelle Holmes, Chief Executive of WUTH, said:
“Helen’s determination and world-class success are truly inspiring. She has shown what can be achieved through dedication and resilience, and she brings that same energy and focus to her patients every day. We are incredibly proud to have her as part of our WUTH team and can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next.”

ENDS

Photo: Helen Hislop outside Main Outpatients, Clatterbridge Hospital