We aim to raise to £5,000 this year to help the association learn more about this debilitating condition and in memory of my lovely mum who suffered without complaint for almost 20 years with this condition.

Scleroderma is a type of autoimmune disorder, a condition that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy body tissue.

Steph Hebblethwaite, Andy Gray and I aim to swim all 5 of the British Gas Great Swim series - in London, Salford, Suffolk, Windermere & Strathclyde - and completing the 1 mile open-water course each time. It's going to be cold - the water in London is currently only 12 degrees - and much colder than the pool!

Katherine Reddings & Mike Widdicks are also taking up the challenge in memory of Judith. Katherine is completing her first outdoor 1 mile swim at Windermere whilst Mike is a seasoned outdoor swimmer with 2 Windermere swims under his belt.

If anyone else wants to join us - please let us know. There are still spaces available on the Great Swim website - http://www.greatswim.org/

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So please dig deep and donate now.