I signed up for the first Swimathon as these 2 charities make such a huge, compassionate difference - then I never even got into the water as both my parents died that month. 3 years later, almost to the day, on the 29th March 2020 (mum died from cancer on 27th March 2017) I will do my best (now aged 58!) to swim 5km in the London Fields Lido open air pool. This will be a significant personal challenge as I have been a smoker since I was 13 yrs! I love being in the water and I do swim regularly but normally only 1k at a time. I've never swum this far (at any age!!) As the years pile on simple things like stairs have become difficult but in the water I feel timeless. I want to prioritise my health & fitness. I want to continue to set myself challenges. I want to support those who support others as we are all strengthened by compassionate, social welfare. I hate what Trump and Johnson stand for, so my reaction to their era is to want to join forces with all the other thousands and millions of people who value compassion, collective responsibility, caring for each other and all of us deserving not just life, but a great life. 

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.