Here's The Plan so far:

I'm going to set off at the source of The River Lune at Green Bell in the hills above Ravenstonedale/Newbiggin on Lune. I'm hoping to find a local farmer with a quad bike and knowledge of the terrain to take me up there. From the Source I intend to walk/paddle until the water gets deep enough to swim....anywhere that I can swim I'm going to Swim...there are obvious places where I won't beable to swim...weirs and very shallow water.

My immediate plan for March is to walk the route...meeting the locals and getting local knowledge re safety etc.

Time Plan

June 4th to June 22nd SWIM THE LUNE and finishing with The Great North Swim in Windermere Lake by The Lowwood Bay Hotel.

Launch of the SWIM THE LUNE will take place at the Diamond Jubillee Celebrations at Kirkby Lonsdale Rugby Club on June 2nd where I will be taking to the skies myself in a Hot Air Balloon. There will be a North West Air Ambulance stall at the event.

On my way down my River Lune I hope to do a 'job' in exchange for a bed for the night...doing a job...making beds, hoovering, mowing a lawn, mucking out, washing up..at farms that do B&B, holiday accommodation, shops, pubs....any small independant businesses...so that I can raise the profile of our amazing Lune Valley and all the places people can stay and the adventures they can be part of...

all the way from Kirkby Stephen to Glasson Dock

My intention is to involve and ask for support for North West Air Ambulance from local communities that are so important to rural life in our Lune Valley and the whole of the North West of England...Womens Institute, Village Halls, Churches, Rotary Clubs, Young Farmers, N.F.U, Rugby clubs, Football clubs, Cricket clubs.....all Sports clubs etc etc..all you who use the River....canoeists, fishermen, divers....if I've missed you out its not intentional....let me know who you are and Help raise funds for the North West Air Ambulance by supporting me.

Lancaster and Morecambe and all the urban communities from Cheshire to Carlisle....North West Air Ambulance are here for you.

My 'Right Hand man' and Co-ordinator on land is John Anderson jga251@yahoo.co.uk previously co-ordinator for British Joint Services Expedition to Everest, Advisor to Irish army and Royal Netherlands Marines for equipment and clothing, Experienced Outdoor Equipment advisor.

My Food, Health, Energy Nutritionist is Ruth Anderson highhouseruth@yahoo.co.uk Ruth is currently stirring up a great recipe book...all to do with Energy and Health giving foods and has make some scrummy energy bars and 'smoothie' drinks to keep me going while I SWIM THE LUNE.

FUND RAISING AIM IS £10,000.....for North West Air Ambulance ....and Ultimately for You, your Sons and Daughters, your Mums and Dads and Grannies and Grandpas...for your mate at the pub, for all my rugby players, for all the people that you treasure in your life