<p>On March 11th I'll be taking the plunge as part of the JCB Channel Swim Team and swimming 20 lengths of the Uttoxeter Swimming Pool! JCB is raising &pound;1million for the NSPCC, helping to protect vulnerable children in Staffordshire. JCB employees and myself will be swimming the length of the channel - in Uttoxeter Leisure Centre - to raise money.&nbsp;</p> <p>As anybody who will know me well, I haven't done any sustained physical activity for quite some time due to my health - so this will be a big challenge for me &nbsp;- both to exercise regularly till March and to complete my leg of the Channel Swim. The more money I raise the motivated I'll be to keep going!</p> <p>The NSPCC is carrying out some fantastic and vital work - pioneering child protection work in the UK, being an advocate for vulnerable children and helping young people and their families heal from a whole range of traumas. My colleagues at the NSPCC Service Centre in Stoke on Trent are doing an AMAZING job - please give generously to support their work.&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>UPDATE!!! 1st February</strong></span></p> <p>I've taken leave of my senses and also volunteered to participate in the Gold Challenge. Me and 4 colleagues at the Stoke NSPCC Service Centre will be entering a team to compete against JCB divisions in a gym relay. So now double impetus for sponsorship!</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>UPDATE!!! 17th February</strong></span></p> <p>Unfortunately it appears I've pulled a muscle in my foot (palenta faciitis to all you medics out there;) and flared up my achilles - my enthusiasm to improve my stamina has somehow backfired : (So training has been severely interrupted these past 10 days. However I am determined to still do this challenge so will be building things back up slowly and steadily, allowing things to heal but building strength as well!&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving &ndash; they&rsquo;ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they&rsquo;ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it&rsquo;s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.</p> <p>So please dig deep and donate now.</p>