By: Paul Goldberg, Senior Editor | JRL CHARTS LGBT News
LONDON — (July 4, 2025) — Award-winning gay broadcaster Jack Murley is diving into a powerful personal challenge this July, aiming to swim 28 miles in 31 days to raise funds for the UK’s national LGBTQ+ helpline, Switchboard.
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First reported by Jon Holmes of Sports Media LGBT+, the 37-year-old BBC presenter and host of The Jack Murley Sports Show says his swim is inspired by years of intimate conversations with elite LGBTQ athletes.
“I’ve spent more than seven years talking with amazing LGBTQ+ sportspeople—from Olympians to World Cup winners,” says Murley. “What’s struck me most is how much of a difference speaking to others in the community has made for them. Switchboard does that work every day.”
View this post on Instagram
The swim pays tribute to the queer community’s strength and history—the 28-mile distance symbolically mirrors the painful legacy of Section 28, the UK law that silenced LGBTQ+ voices for decades. It’s also a physical feat: just shy of the distance to swim the English Channel.
“It feels like the right time to step up,” Murley adds. “Rights are under threat worldwide. I may not be an elite athlete, but I’m proud to support this cause and push my limits to help Switchboard keep doing its life-saving work.”
Since launching the #SwimForSwitchboard campaign, Murley has received encouragement from Paralympians and Olympians who’ve appeared on his show—offering training advice and motivation.
“They’ve been amazing with their tips—even if I can’t claim to have any of their abilities!” he joked. “But I’m determined to do my bit.”
At press time, Jack is already 60% of the way toward his fundraising target.
• Donate to his GoFundMe and follow his journey at @jack_murley on Instagram.
• View Jack Murley’s official swim post on Instagram: @jack_murley on Instagram
Stay tuned to JRL CHARTS LGBT News for more breaking stories that uplift the global LGBTQ+ community.
