I love pool swimming but am not that keen on the idea of swimming in a lake with natural debris - let's face it, I get freaked out when a hair gets caught on my hand in an indoor pool!

However, we all need to learn to stretch ourselves, so this year I set about learning to open water swim - yes, so I can swim a mile in a pool without too much trouble, but as I learned, swimming in open water is a lot different. In a pool you get 20% free in terms of distance by pushing off a wall at each end. No such luck in a lake. You can't really see where you're going very well, nor who/what is around you so it has proven to be quite challenging at times. Not to mention the temperature. Those who know me well are fully versed in my dislike of the cold - I suspect this will be my biggest challenge to overcome.

I know I've done a lot of fundraising for Macmillan this year and I'd like to say a huge thanks to everyone who has donated so far. There's a lot of research going on into cures for cancer and here's hoping they'll be successful within our lifetime. But for many, that will be too late. For all of those battling this horrible disease, they need help and support here and now. And that's why I continue to fundraise for Macmillan.

My employer will match my fundraising £ 4 £, so whatever size your donation, it all helps to make a difference. Even if you give up one 'posh coffee' and donate the equivalent, it is all gratefully received. Post it anonymously and no one will think you're being tight, if that's what's stopping you. There are many worthy causes out there, some raising money for Macmillan too, so it doesn't really matter who you support, just that you do if you can. 

And if you choose not to this time, then thanks for reading - maybe it will inspire you to donate into a collection tin somewhere another time.