Many thanks to everyone who has sponsored me so far and helped me raise more than 500 pounds for ASPIRE.
I spent 12 weeks getting up early and swimming about half a mile before the school run - in order to clock up 22 miles! And now, it's finished!
Yes, it was a bit of a nightmare at times to drag myself out of bed on cold dark mornings and into the somewhat dingy Crystal Palace National Sports Centre Olympic-sized pool. But, well, I got to feel smug all day, avoided the stess of getting the kids ready for school - and it helped me to lose that 5 stone! Plus, it was great to watch the sunrise through the glass of the sports centre during its dying and uncertain days.
The 22 miles of the English Channel works out at 704 lengths of the 50m pool and because I'm rubbish at counting, I bought a special watch to help me keep track. It also told me I averaged a speed of 1.67km. I have no idea what this means, but there we go ...
During my final day, Ben and the children turned up with homemade flags (made out of chopsticks!) to welcome me as I climbed out. (And the lifeguard didn't even bat an eyelid!)
A lot of friends old and new sponsored me (see who, below), and so far, I've raised more than 500 pounds. Obviously everyone was so astonished that I was actually doing some exercise and paid up. Fair enough.
Oh and it's not too late, if you've not yet got round to sponsoring me. You can do it online by clicking on the button below. Easy peasy.
If you want to see some photos of me finishing my swim (inc. underwater ones!), have a look at the leapman website:
http://www.leapman.co.uk
The ASPIRE Channel Swim is to raise money for the charity for people with spinal injuries.
