Overcoming the daunting presence of sharks, unpredictable swells, and menacing jellyfish, Moss embarked on her epic swim at 6.00 pm Hawaii time (4.00 pm NZT) on Friday, 5 May.  Emerging triumphantly 16 hours and 6 minutes later, and after being badly stung by more than 5 Portuguese men of war jellyfish that have left welts on her arms, legs and feet, an elated Gráinne Moss said,

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”I am absolutely thrilled to have conquered the 'Channel of Bones' swim, marking the beginning of my four epic swims in support of Kenzie's Gift.

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“When I kept getting stung, I kept thinking of the kids who suffer grief and told myself my pain will go- theirs stays a lifetime.

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Gráinne whose mom de plume in the swimming world  is Swim Irish Kiwi .

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Moss is the first Irish woman to conquer this channel and the second kiwi - the first being Kim Chalmers.

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"This is just the first step in my incredible swim challenge, aimed at raising funds for this remarkable charity dedicated to providing crucial mental health support to young New Zealanders and their families who are affected by serious illness or grief."

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Moss' open water swim challenge, spanning from May to September, encompasses three more awe-inspiring swims. In July, she will embark on a daring 32-kilometre night swim between Santa Catalina Island and Los Angeles. Following this impressive achievement, she will push her limits even further by venturing to the East Coast of the USA for an equally arduous night swim, circumnavigating Manhattan Island, spanning an astonishing 48.5 kilometres.

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"We are immensely grateful to Gráinne for taking on this incredible swim challenge and for her unwavering support for Kenzie's Gift," said Nic Russell, the CEO and founder of Kenzie's Gift.

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"Gráinne's determination and courage in taking on these treacherous open water swims are truly awe-inspiring. Her dedication to raising funds and awareness for our charity demonstrates a deep commitment to helping the families we support."

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The grand finale of this extraordinary challenge will see Gráinne set her sights on the United Kingdom in September, aiming to achieve her third Triple Crown in marathon swimming. This ambitious endeavor involves a momentous swim between England and Wales, following her triumphant completion of the routes between England and France, as well as Ireland and Scotland.

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To learn more about how to support Gráinne Moss and Kenzie's Gift, please visit:

https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/4-3-2-1-4-swims-3-in-the-usa-2-open-water-triple