I have for some reason (I think it was male bravado) decided to sign up to do the great north swim, this is a 1 mile open water swim in lake Windermere on the 5th of September. I am really looking forward to the challenge although I am also bricking it as the last time I swam a mile was when I was about 11 and while I do have the badge sewn onto my speedos from 1983 it is a long time ago and i don't think i ever repeated the feat and certainly not in open water.

Alzheimers is the nestle charity of the year but I am also doing it for personal reasons. approx 6 years ago my mum was diagnosed with Alzheimers and so as a way of helping the research and also reducing the personally feeling of helplessness when faced with a member suffering from dementia I am trying to raise as much money as I can.

Hopefully you will give generously and help make a difference.