Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: The Shakespeare Hospice gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor me now!

I am going to swim the equivalent distance of 22 miles.... (that's the same as  the Channel )... but in stages, between today (my ?? birthday) and Christmas! I shall be using the Fire College pool ..(they are kindly giving me a discounted price for the swims!)..and using my limited spare time from work and teaching. So, although you may think I'm cheating by not swimming the ACTUAL Channel, I can assure you that at 1450 lengths, it's quite an undertaking, even so! (If you wonder how I keep count of the lengths, I take a pot of tiddlywinks with me 'pool side'!!)

I am doing this to raise money for the Shakespeare Hospice, in Stratford upon Avon,

www.theshakespearehospice.org.uk/

(please click on the link to find out more) that my dear friend and collegue Jane Dowson visits for treatments and loving care. She is battling so bravely with her cancer and the hospice is a truly wonderful place where she and other sufferers can go for support and TLC. At present, they need funds for the new garden they wish to start building which will include ergonomic benches and a water feature. This seems a  very appropriate thing to ask my sponsors to donate towards so, please give as much as you can. I have seen the design and it's rather beautiful with large stones set around the base and a tall, but wide, overflowing basin made of marble, creating a peaceful centre piece and a lovely restful sound.

I shall be updating this page every week and giving my new total of lengths swum! Today, 21st December, I have reached my target and swum all 1450 lengths!! I am with Jane right now and she is really delighted and grateful to everyone for supporting me and the Hospice. It is still possible to contribute if you woud like to, so do support my effort and  think of the pleasure you will be giving all those patients in the garden.

It is with great sadness that Jane's death was announced on February16th. Everyone that had had the privilege to know her also recognises how she battled and suffered towards the end. Finally she is at peace. Let us make the garden a restful place where others can sit and reflec,t and I am so proud to have achieved my goal, so thank you for your support. Yours, Sandy.