After a life spent working as a ship-builder in Glasgow, Frank Redmond is suddenly made redundant at the age of 55. Devastated by this blow, Frank decides he has to do something to bolster his self-esteem. What he needs is a challenge, so he decides to swim the English Channel to the total astonishment of those around him. They think he must be crazy, but they rally round to help and support him in this seemingly impossible task. This film takes a highly perceptive look at the plight of people who are thrown onto the career scrap heap at a relatively early age, and showcases our very British determination to survive despite the odds.