I am swimming to Herm. Yup. Said it now. Have to.

On September 3rd, I will be attempting to swim across the Little Russel. For my non-Guernsey friends, thats 5k away.

Most people know that I am pretty determined and driven (stubborn) so whilst the training three times a week around my other sports and interests (sitting down not swimming) will need motivation and commitment, I’m confident that I’ve got this part.

The struggle for me will be the open water. I grew up in the sea, couldn’t get me out of it. I was dragged out blue-lipped and shivering by my family but I actually was never a very good swimmer (think 2 lengths aaannnnnndd retire). Despite working on my swimming to compete in triathlon, last year, I started to have some horrible experiences on and off the water that were later ‘labelled’ panic attacks. Their reason for their appearance in my otherwise carefree sporting past is unknown but they are terrifying and frustrating and whilst I have in the past dismissed them in others because they are intangible, it’s interesting to see what the mind can do to a rational person. This will be a big challenge for me and I need a cause I am close to and passionate about to keep me going...

The Guernsey Bereavement Service is a lesser known charity on the island. They are a small group of volunteer councillors who aim to help those who have suffered a loss. The service has over 200 users a year and as well as funding continuous training for the councillors and supervisors, the charity also offers training to organisations and workplaces. This, I think, is so important- Dealing with and talking about death once the initial flurry of phone calls, visits and sympathy cards is all over is just another horrible, awkward hurdle of ‘getting on with it’ for both the person returning to work, university or school and the colleagues and friends welcoming someone back; something often put to the bottom of the list.

They helped me a lot when I lost my dad suddenly 6 years ago and I was grateful that I had a solid, reliable person to meet every week without fail that I knew I could say anything to. When I returned to London to continue my studies, my councillor gave me her Skype contact too.

Unfortunately everyone reading this at some point has or will lose someone; it’s certain, inevitable and often unexpected and whether you yourself would or wouldn’t choose to call upon this service, it’s a life saver for some.

Any amount, no matter how small is really appreciated. I am happy to receive cash and pennies when you catch me out and about.

And if you don’t donate any money, at least buy me a drink when I smash it!

Thank You!