My story
Thank you to everyone who has sponsored me and supported me in my challenge of competing in the Great North Swim 1 mile open water swim. I completed the swim in 35mins 47 seconds. The whole day was great fun but I have to say I am so pleased it's over, I really was nervous. The water felt freezing although we were assured that is was 15.1 degrees. Having never taken part in an open water swim before I found the start rather daunting - 200 swimmers rushing into the water - I have to admit I got swum over a bit and it took me a little time to settle down. But I took my time as my aim was to make sure I completed the swim, however next time (am I really saying this!) I'm going to make sure I'm not in the middle or will be a bit more aggressive myself!.
I'm still collecting in sponsor money so will keep updating this site with the total over the next couple of weeks - but thank you again to everyone who has been so generous, it really is very kind of you.
On September 13th 2008 I am attempting to complete a 1 mile open water swim in Lake Windermere. In order to make sure I don't "chicken out" I have decided to raise money for the MacMillan Nurses through the MacMillian Cancer Support Organisation and invite you to sponsor me by guessing how long you think it will take me to complete the one mile swim.
I realise that in these "credit crunch" times things are difficult but every £ is very much appreciated and believe me I will certainly earn that £ for you! If that's not good enough reason how about these thoughts of mine:
- I didn't realise that Windermere is nearly in Scotland - the water's going to be "B" cold
- I'm over 40, drink, smoke, go to bed late and probably eat all the wrong food - it's about time I gave my poor body a challenge!
The swim is certainly a challenge for me and seemed like a good idea at the time a couple of months ago (and seems like a very silly idea now!). I practiced when I was on holiday in Spain but have to say the water was rather a lot warmer than the lake at Leybourne, Kent, where I have been swimming last week. It is anticipated that the water temperature in Windermere will be around 15/16 degrees.
If you would like to see more detail about the Swim please visit the website www.greatnorthswim.org This is the first such organised swim with 1,199 people and me taking part and some of the gold medalists from this year's Olympics will also be participating in the swim (obviously not in my section!).
In addition to this fundraising page we also have a Sponsorship Board up in the pub (The Chequers Inn, Laddingford) with the locals guessing my time and pledging their money. I invite you to sponsor me below and if you want to guess my timing please put this in the "comments" section. If you are looking at this after 13 September please do sponsor me anyway.
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Macmillan Cancer Support 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.
Many thanks for your support.
Tracey 
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Well done, so proud of you. Donation by Fran Bailey 14/11/08 |
£15.00 + £4.23 Gift Aid | |
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Good on ya! Donation by Keith & Judith, Yalding 30/09/08 |
£15.00 + £4.23 Gift Aid | |
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Well done, next will be the 2012 Olympics! Donation by Melody Barnes 20/09/08 |
£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid | |
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not so mad after all Donation by daddy 13/09/08 |
£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid | |
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go! Go! Go! Donation by Marco y Clara 13/09/08 |
£30.00 | |
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best of luck - I guess 25 minutes or you will freeze to death! Donation by brent and fiona 13/09/08 |
£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid | |
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Wow, next stop the Channel! Donation by Anne Hand 12/09/08 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid | |
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Wow, I am dead impressed! Donation by Nikki Hawthorn 12/09/08 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid | |
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Hat off! and may the lake tide be with you ;o ) Donation by Barbara 11/09/08 |
£15.00 + £4.23 Gift Aid | |
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Good Luck Trace, you brave mad thing - I admire you, however long it takes! x Donation by Dawn + Gary 11/09/08 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid | |
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Good luck not that you need it I am sure. Donation by Richard Walton 11/09/08 |
£15.00 + £4.23 Gift Aid | |
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Charlie wishes he was there to see you in your wet suit!!!! good luck 1 hour 5 mins Donation by Charlie and Ruth 10/09/08 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid | |
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Pound a minute. Good luck .Be thinking of you Donation by Ian Fenn 10/09/08 |
£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid | |
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A worthy cause by a worth person. I admire your dedication. All the best Tracey.. Bisous Donation by Dominique Clervil 10/09/08 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid | |
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Best of luck Tracey.50 mins would be my guess and I would add 1pound for every min. below that. Donation by Mahmoud Difrawy 09/09/08 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid | |
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Good luck you mad friend. No guessing on the time, it will only put more pressure on you! Donation by Tracy, Richard, Libby 08/09/08 |
£15.00 + £4.23 Gift Aid | |
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Am too impressed for words - 45 minutes!! Donation by Catherine 08/09/08 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid | |
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I guess 55 mins. If you do it in under 40 mins I'll double my donation! Good luck! Donation by Melody 08/09/08 |
£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid | |
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Good luck Tracey! Donation by Paul Knox 08/09/08 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid | |
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Brave girl - take as long as you like! Best of luck. xx Donation by Chris Laver 08/09/08 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid | |
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When you've done that we're just a short swim across the channel !! Bon chance . Donation by Susie and Mike 06/09/08 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid | |
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All the best Tracey! Hope the splendid English weather is on your side for a change! Donation by Big Ben 05/09/08 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid | |
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I reckon 65 minutes of insanity! You go lady - fantastic! Donation by Jo 05/09/08 |
£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid | |
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my wonderful plucky (also insane) daughter - not bad looking either Donation by Mother 05/09/08 |
£50.00 | |
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Go Tracey! I think 56mins.. Donation by Nicola Ash 05/09/08 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid | |
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Good luck!!! It sounds like a great group to support. Donation by David Regan 05/09/08 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid | |
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Let's see if you look quite so happy at the end of the swim. Good luck! Donation by Jon Marsden 04/09/08 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid | |
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Sure it'll be hard but you can get it! my guess is 40 min. Good luck!!!! Donation by Maite 04/09/08 |
£20.00 | |
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Best of luck Tracey. Enjoy every minute! 40 being my precise guess! Donation by Jason Waters 04/09/08 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid | |
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I think you're exceptionally brave, Tracey! Good luck! Donation by Erin Stevens 04/09/08 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid |
| * Total raised online: | £820.00 |
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| Offline donations: | £2,043.42 |
| Gift Aid plus supplement: | £200.26 |
* Charities pay a small fee for our service.
Find out how much it is and what we do for it.