A Macclesfield schoolboy has become the youngest Englishman to swim from Scotland to Ireland.

Beech Hall School pupil Rory Kaye, 16, braved the challenging Northern Channel route on Monday, August 24, to raise money for Mencap.

Training for the swim while studying for his GCSEs, Rory has raised more than £4,000 for the charity that supports people with learning disabilities.

His father, Philip Kaye, a former Team GB age-group duathlete, said: "While Rory was a little late to pick up his GCSE results this year, he had an undeniably justifiable excuse, battling against freezing water, strong tides, and even some jellyfish to swim across the North Channel stretches in aid of Mencap.

"I am so proud of Rory's achievement and the money he has been able to raise for such a deserving cause."

Over the course of 2026, Rory is taking on four of the world's most iconic open water swimming challenges in support of Mencap.

First up was a two-way trip across the English Channel with his Mencap Marvels teammates from Beech Hall School.

Up next he will be going solo, swimming the entire way around the island of Manhattan, passing under 20 bridges and taking in some of New York City's most famous landmarks.

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Last but by no means least, Rory will be taking on the 32km Catalina Channel swim from Catalina Island to the California mainland.

Philip added: "With two more open water swims still to go in 2026, the challenge is far from over, but I have no doubt that Rory will rise to the occasion, especially with the unwavering support of those around him, especially at the Mencap Marvels and Beech Hall School."

You can follow Rory's journey and donate via his JustGiving page here.