Story
Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
I'm raising money again for NASS: the National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society. AS is a progressive rheumatic disease affecting mainly the spine but also many other joints & organs in the body. It can be extremely painful, debilitating and for some people in the long-term crippling. With the correct treatment and exercise, the effects can be mitigated and you can live a very normal life. NASS is the only specific charity providing invaluble support and advice to patients. But why ocean swimming? Why not? New Zealand has some of the most beautiful beaches and waterfronts in the world, and Auckland is a harbour city, so what better place to get in the water?! It's fun (except for the odd jellyfish), invigorating (at times damn cold) & relaxing. But above all it's a great pain killer, an amazing challenge and I have met some lovely people along the way. Last season I completed two swims, the Harbour Crossing and the King of the Bays. This year I am upping the ante, and aim to complete 7:21st November Auckland Harbour Crossing, 2.8km - the first and the largest in the series - 1hr 02 mins 42 secs
6th December Chelsea Sugar Factory swim, 2.4km - the other way across the harbour this time, in the shadow of the Harbour Bridge. - 40 mins 32 secs - easy!
12th December Russell to Paihia, Bay of Islands, 3.3km - an iconic swim from NZ’s first capital to the beautiful shores of Paihia - 1hr 09 mins 48 secs
20th February The Bays Swim, St Heliers Bay to Tamaki Yacht Club, 3.5km - along Auckland's upmarket waterfront - 1hr 09 mins 03 secs - amazing how you get faster with no training for the past month!
21st March Rangitoto Swim, 4.6km – The BIG ONE from Rangitoto Island to St Heliers. Let's see how the training goes - 1hr 48 mins 45 secs - the next two should be a breeze after that!
27th March Sand to Surf, Mt Maunganui, 2.8km – through the surf at one of NZ’s most stunning ocean beaches - 1 hr 07 mins 05 secs - mmm famous last words, bit slow that one, I blame it on the surf & the sting rays!
17th April King of the Bays, Auckland’s North Shore, 2.8km – my local, it can't be rougher than last year....53 mins 34 secs!!! - A personal best - I nust have been pretty keen to hang up the wetsuit at the end of the season!
NASS does not receive any government funding. Their main source of income is from individuals and their families. Any donations, whatever the amount, will make a huge difference to people with AS
For those of you in NZ, please note that NASS is based in the UK and this site is in GBP. If you would prefer to donate to a local charity then Arthritis NZ would be a great choice http://www.arthritis.org.nz/index.php/How-you-can-help.html
Thanks!