Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I have always enjoyed swimming and as a child I dreamt that I would swim the channel one day. As I grew up I realised just how far it is and what a challenge it is and thought that I would never be able to attempt it. I had almost forgotten about it until Lucy said that they were thinking of attempting to swim the Channel as a relay and it suddenly seemed doable. A few weeks later I found myself signing up to attempt to swim the English Channel with 4EverHopeful.    

If my attempt to swim the Channel prompts you to give to charity, a charity that I support is DEBRA (The Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa
Research Association).

I first heard of EB twenty years ago, when I was asked to be the support worker for a little girl at Pre-school. Children with EB are referred to as butterfly children, because they have skin as delicate as butterfly
wings. DEBRA gave the pre-school the support and advice needed to provide a place for Clara, a delightful little girl and a real character with an infectious laugh. It was moving to see how accepting and protective the other children were of her. It was a challenge letting her be involved in normal playschool activities and preventing her from hurting herself but not as challenging as the battle Clara fought everyday against the pain and complications of this condition. Sadly she lost her battle just before her eighth birthday. 

DEBRA continues to support individuals and families affected by EB and to fund research to provide a cure. I therefore support DEBRA in memory of my little butterfly girl.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.