'A very special lady': Tributes to 'remarkable' swimmer Eileen Fenton, female winner of the first race across the English Channel, following her death aged 98
Tributes have been paid to “a very special lady” from Dewsbury, following her death at the age of 98.
Eileen Fenton was the female winner of the first race across English Channel in 1950, aged 21, a feat that earned her the admiration of her hometown.
She continued to inspire swimmers for decades in her role as an instructor, and served as vice president of the British Long Distance Swimming Association (BLDSA) for many years.
In 2019, she was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Honours List for her voluntary services to long distance and competitive swimming coaching in Yorkshire and Great Britain.
Margaret Smith, of the BLDSA, described Eileen as “a very special lady” who became a “much respected” friend.
They met for the first time in 1967 following Margaret’s first Windermere swim, with Eileen giving her a warm drink afterwards and sharing lots of friendly advice.
Margaret said: “This energetic and feisty lady from Dewsbury conquered Morecambe Bay in 1948.
“She went on to win the ladies’ race in the Daily Mail International Cross Channel Race in 1950, in 15 hours and 31 minutes, having been neck and neck with the winner of the men’s race, Ted Temme, but slowed by a shoulder injury she was still able to lead the other ladies home.
“Her costs were covered by subscriptions from the people of her hometown.
“She was much celebrated at the time and she was further honoured on the 60th anniversary of her swim with a specially commissioned portrait.”
Eileen gave swimming lessons every week and ran the Dewsbury Ladies’ Swimming Club at the old Dewsbury Swimming Baths, where she coached people of all ages.
Among those she helped to train were Jean Oldroyd, who took part in the Commonwealth Games in Cardiff in 1958, and Wendy Brook, who went on to break the Channel crossing record.
Eileen was an inaugural member of the BLDSA and served for a time on the committee. She was awarded the role of honorary vice president in 1966 in recognition of her services both to the association and the sport.
Margaret said: “Her influence was keenly felt by so many young folk as they progressed in their swimming under her watchful eye but also in their daily living where her encouragement and support were so valued.”
She added: “As Eileen floats off to waters anew, we will remember her personality and talent with gratitude and friendship.”
In 2019, around the time of Eileen receiving her MBE from Prince William, the Reporter Series featured a nostalgia column from Margaret Watson in which Eileen’s niece, Eileen Hollinshead, of Mirfield, spoke proudly of her aunt’s achievements.
She said: “It was daunting 70 years ago for a young girl from a working class background to achieve what Eileen did, with little or no professional training.
“There was no equality among men and women in those days, and looking back it really was incredible what she achieved despite this.”
She added: “Food coupons and rationing were still in evidence after the war, but her family made sure she got more than her fair share of meat to ensure she was as fit as possible for the race. Her dad grew fresh vegetables in the garden so she could always eat well.
“The people of Dewsbury raised enough money for the entry fee, and when she was the first woman home in the race, the townspeople gave her an overwhelming reception.
“She never forgot this, and decided she wanted to give something back for their generosity, and she continued coaching young people from Dewsbury for nearly 40 years afterwards, all unpaid.
“She has remained grateful all her life, and continues to support the town in any way she can, attending charity functions and promoting the town whenever needed, and she remains very proud of her roots."
Eileen described her aunt’s energy and zest for life as “remarkable”.
“It is only since growing up and becoming a teacher myself that I realised the time and dedication my aunt put into helping so many achieve recognition at local, county, national and international level, in both sprinting and long distance swimming. She did all this as well as having a full-time teaching job,” she said.
“She has always been an inspiration to all her family, especially the younger ones. Her confidence and determination to succeed was infectious.”
Eileen Fenton died peacefully on August 23 at Hopton Cottage Care Home in Mirfield. Her funeral service will take place at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Monday, September 14 at 11.15am.