I've swum the Swimathon a couple of times before, but this year I'm going to be swimming with family and friends  in the forefront of my thoughts, My dear mother in law Eileen is battling incurable cancer right now, and it's not easy to watch on once the medics have no more answers. The 15km I'll swim is the distance from our house to hers, and it's probably the slowest way to travel that distance, but even with slow progress we can make a difference. 

Another dear friend Brenda has also been battling cancer this past year, struggling to get the treatment needed because of the harsh side effects it has. My colleague Jo's mum, Hannah, has also been diagnosed recently and is hoping to start treatment soon while there is time. Times for all these families are tough and uncertain.  

On the 27th - 29th March, I'll join over 21,000 swimmers in over 600 pools across the UK to raise money for two amazing charity partners.

Without research into this disease any treatment would not be possible at all, and so I want to do what I can to help this continue and progress towards more effective treatments that people, especially the elderly, can handle. Cancer Research UK, the world’s leading cancer charity is dedicated to saving lives through funding research to help prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. Cancer Research UK are the only charity fighting over 200 cancer types but don't receive any government funding for their work, so their progress is all thanks to the support of people like you. 

At the same time I'm so aware of the need for good end of life care and I'm happy to support Marie Curie in this work, being there for patients and families to give support in the toughest days they have to face together. Marie Curie provides expert care, guidance and support for people living with any terminal illness, and their families. Around 2,100 Marie Curie Nurses work day and night, in people’s homes all over the UK, providing hands-on care to people when they need it most.

If you'd like to help and contribute to these great causes then I'd be really thankful.