Hi everyone,

Now here's something you thought you would never see, and me neither! However, at Christmas I received a call from my sister (who I love dearly) with some devastating news: she had breast cancer.

As I'm sure we all do, I thought the worst and it was emotional time for us all, especially her! Two days later, she went into hospital for a mastectomy. The fantastic ending to this little note is that the operation was a complete success and the cancer has been removed.

This prompted me to think how lucky I am, and how many people's lives are touched by breast cancer - 46,000 women and 300 men a year.

So, as I'm nearing 60, I thought I would do a little something to help while I still can. On 12th September, in the cold waters of Lake Windermere, I will be attempting to swim one mile as part of  "The Great North Swim" http://www.greatnorthswim.org/GNS/

Astonishing, I know, but I have started training. (I've lost a stone in weight already, so its a win, win.)

If you feel you could help me raise a few pennies toward this great cause, I would be truly grateful.

Thank you for taking the time to read this note

Kind regards - Kevin : )