2009 Challenge. On 5th September, it's time for the re-run.  Last year's 10.5 mile Windermere swim was cancelled halfway through the race because of high winds/waves causing sinking support boats, so this year I'm back for more.  A reminder - the water's typically about 16 deg C and I'll be in there with nothing but speedos for about 5 1/2 hrs.  As preparation, I completed the 5.25 mile Derwentwater swim on 15th August, and Hannah joined me on this one - quite incredible seeing as she only started training swims at the beginning of March this year (sponsor her instead of me http://www.justgiving.com/Hannah-Young-Swim).

Thanks to Ed, Alex, and Jules who crewed our support boats for Derwentwater! 

See below for details about my charity and last year's (sort of) failed attempt... 

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Update (14/09/08): Done.  5 hours in Dover Harbour.  The sun helped me through a bit, but now I have a ridiculous sun tan mark where my hat was.  Pretty cold still, but no jellyfish.  That's it for the winter now - only in the pool.  Windermere next year, maybe the Channel in 2010...

Update (09/09/08): I've provisionally arranged to complete the swim this weekend in Dover Harbour, in amongst the Channel swim trainees.  Suddenly a bit nervous of waves, jellyfish and tides.  There is a great team down there who have offered to support me and provide safety advice.

Update (07/09/08): Windermere - the big race.  Disappointment.  After 3 miles swimming into severe headwinds and battering waves, all was going well, getting into what rhythm I could.  I was in good spirits.  Strangely, another swimmer had joined me and my support boat.   It became clear why a little bit further on. Apparently many of the support boats were really struggling in the waves, and one had sunk.  Not wishing to risk the lives of support crews and their swimmers, the race referee called a halt to the race, and ordered all swimmers from the water.  So, my swim ended sitting on a remote jetty waiting to be picked up by a safety launch.  I now have to work out where I can complete the 10.5 miles you all sponsored me for before winter sets in.  Likely bet is Dover Harbour - training home of the Channel swimmer.  And if I like the salt water?  Maybe next year... At any rate, Windermere will definitely be conquered at next year's event as well.  Event report published here: http://www.bldsa.org.uk/pages/pages/results/11wind.htm

Update (22/07/08): At the weekend I completed a swim of Coniston Water in the Lake District.  The 5.25 mile swim took me 2hrs 53mins, in a water temperature of a little under 14°C (57°F).  The water temperature meant that the final mile was a particular struggle - it was certainly interesting shivering at the same time as swimming, while looking forward to the onset of cramp, no longer being capable of holding my fingers together to swim properly.  Special thanks to Chris and Jeremy for rowing the support boat and navigating a great course.  I'm now pushing up my fat intake and training levels for the Windermere swim.  Results of the Coniston swim here: http://www.bldsa.org.uk/pages/pages/results/6scon.htm

The Challenge

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page.  I'm planning to swim the length of Windermere, in the Lake District, on September 6th this year to raise money for the Sarah Matheson Trust.  Windermere is the longest natural lake in England, and the swim will total 10.5 miles (approx 17km).  No wet suit.  Nothing more than a pair of Speedos, a hat and goggles, and I'm likely to be in the water for about 5-6 hours.

In 2003, my Dad was diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA).  The disorder, over the past 5 years, transformed him from an active person, walking the dog miles every day to someone who could no longer move from his bed and could not speak.  After a long battle, Dad died on 21st June this year (2008).

MSA is a relatively rare degenerative disorder, and very little guidance and support was provided to my parents upon his diagnosis, until we found the Sarah Matheson Trust.  Initially, they helped prepare us for the years ahead by explaining how the condition would impact us, and went on to provide constant support and advice to my parents - including help with decisions like that last year where we had to decide whether to safeguard my Dad's breathing with a tracheostomy, disabling his speech in the process.

This is a terrible disorder, and any help that can be provided for carers and sufferers alike is vital, along with further funding of research.

I'm swimming as a tribute to my Mum & Dad's courage, and to help others in a similar situation in the future.  Please dig deep and sponsor me online.

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Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Sarah Matheson Trust for Multiple System Atrophy will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

So please sponsor me now!

Many thanks for your support.