I have decided to sign up to take part in Swimathon 2020 in the hope the regular training will allow me to claw back some normal life after 6 years of my immune system deciding I'm a foreign body to be destroyed. I want to be able to help those in more need than myself and feel that because we have all been touched by cancer in some way these two charities are a great place to start. I have chosen the largest distance possible in the hope the challenge will push me to keep going, even when things get tough over the coming weeks as my body adapts.

On the 27th - 29th March, over 21,000 swimmers will be heading down to over 600 pools across the UK to raise money for our two amazing charity partners. I have chosen to do my challenge over the 2 weeks from 20th March 2020, allowing me to train in a quieter pool.

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.

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.

Together we can really make a difference. We invite our swimmers to tell their story to help spread awareness and raise vital funds for these two incredible causes.