In July, Bank Aston co-founder, Jay Goss, plans to tackle the ‘Everest of swims’ across the Irish Sea, travelling from Donaghadee in Northern Ireland to Rhins of Galloway in Scotland, in an attempt to raise big money for victims of domestic abuse.
By enduring the 21-mile swim, which promises cold-water temperatures, ruinous tides and potential jellyfish encounters, Goss hopes to raise awareness for the victims of domestic abuse and raise up to £100,000 for Safer LBG. The Guernsey-based charity supports, empowers and provides shelter to children and adults who have and are experiencing domestic abuse.
The Bank Aston co-founder has already received over £21,000 in pledges for the swim, which looks set to take him around 16 hours to complete. In preparation for the event, Goss has had to put on 20kg of ‘blubber’ weight to protect himself from the risk of hypothermia, and has already completed a six-hour qualification swim in 12 degrees.
Opening on 1 July, Goss has an eight-day window, at which point he and his support team will assess weather conditions to decide which day he begins the swim.
“When I speak to the women who have inspired me to do this, who’ve lived through horrors most of us can’t imagine, they all speak of hope. And that hope is provided by charities like Safer LBG,” he explained. “I’m incredibly proud to be supporting them – a local Guernsey charity. I hope all of the donations raised make a positive impact on victims’ lives.”
Goss’ two years of preparations, which included getting stung and scarred by jellyfish, took place while getting ready to launch Bank Aston, the new offshore bank headquartered in Guernsey and sister company, payments firm Aston CM. On 11 June, Bank Aston obtained a banking licence from the Guernsey Financial Services Commission, ahead of an expected full authorisation in 2026.
In support of Safer
Goss is no stranger to major athletic challenges. The Guernsey resident and former Royal Marine, became the seventh person in the world to complete the ‘Arch to Arc’, a solo continuous event including running 90 miles from London to Dover, swimming the English Channel and cycling 190 miles to Paris.
“We have had to be laser-focused on preparing for the swim and building Bank Aston; from training up to six hours in 12 degrees centigrade in open water, to 15 km swims in 25m swimming pools, it’s been a challenge,” he added. “But we’re ready. Both have been equally meaningful endeavours personally and professionally.
“Community really is Guernsey’s superpower, and everyone associated with the Aston brand is proud of our legacy of local support. Just recently, Aston CM erected another of Guernsey’s famous dolphin landmarks – Splash Gordon – in support of Guernsey GSCPA, an animal support charity, and Autism Guernsey.”
Naomi Wright, CEO at Safer LBG, also shared her reaction to the undertaking: “We are incredibly grateful to Jay for choosing to support Safer through this extraordinary challenge. From the moment we met him, it was clear he was deeply passionate about making a difference in the lives of domestic abuse survivors. His determination and commitment – both in launching Bank Aston and in preparing for the gruelling North Channel swim – are truly inspiring.
“Jay spent time meeting with the team here at Safer to truly understand the issues that our clients face and all the work we are doing to support those affected by domestic abuse – he really is a Safer Champion. The funds raised will help us continue our vital work supporting adults and children affected by domestic abuse in the Bailiwick. We’ll be cheering Jay on every stroke of the way.”
