In 2003 Chantal Carr weighed 20 stone. Just 4 years later she’d lost half her body weight, and went on to attempt to swim the Channel in aid of the RNLI

It took some straight talking from her ailing father to make Chantal realise she had to do something about her health. She had been in the same sedentary job for years and, after having two children, her weight soared.

Her dad, Bob Woollett (pictured above left, with Chantal age 3), was an RNLI supporter through and through. ‘Dad was in the Merchant Navy, but he couldn’t swim a stroke! He was full of admiration for people who would risk their lives for others.’ Bob shared his passion for the RNLI with his family, with holidays to the seaside and visits to lifeboat shops and stations.

The family were all shocked when he fell seriously ill. But in 2003, when Chantal had reached size 30, it was Bob who took her aside: ‘He told me that I needed to sort my life out and think of my kids. He was my inspiration.’ His loving and frank words gave Chantal the impetus she needed to transform herself.

From the start, exercise played a big part in her weight-loss programme and Chantal found she enjoyed pushing herself: ‘I just got stuck in!’ In 4 years she lost a remarkable 10 stone, and is now a size 12 – and fit. Chantal enthuses: ‘Weight loss changed my life!’ She decided to take part in the Great South Run and planned to surprise her dad by raising money for the lifeboats.

After a 10-year illness Bob sadly died on Father’s Day 2007, before Chantal’s run. She completed the 10 miles in his memory (pictured above right, with son Tommy), raising £700 for the RNLI. What had been her father’s passion had become hers too. Raising funds for the lifeboat volunteers gave her the motivation to do the Edinburgh Marathon – twice!

But Chantal didn’t stop there. When she announced over Christmas lunch in 2008 that she was going to swim the Channel, her family were sceptical: ‘It was like “OK Mum, pass the gravy.”’ After her first swim in 13°C open water, Chantal wasn’t sure it was for her either. She lasted just 10 minutes and hated every second.

Remembering Bob, she persevered and started intensive training: ‘It was like learning to swim all over again. It’s far more mental than physical – I focused on what Dad would have thought.’

Finally attempting to cross the Channel in September 2010, Chantal was forced to stop after a gruelling 9 hours. She recalls: ‘It was a gutting feeling.’ On reflection, Chantal realises what she has achieved and is simply enjoying having her weekends back.

She plans another attempt in 2012 and is already thinking of what her next challenge will be in aid of the RNLI. For now, Chantal is helping to save lives as a volunteer RNLI Education Presenter. She’s sure of one thing: ‘I know my dad would have been proud.’

Chantal's fundraising efforts go towards an RNLI Forever by the Sea fund in memory of her dad. If you would like to find out how to set up an RNLI tribute fund in memory of a loved one, go to rnli.org.uk/inmemory or contact Gemma Spencer on 01202 663504.