Hello everyone, I want to thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Following the huge success of the half marathon last year, I think its only right to start 2012 with another physical challenge. This time I have decided to take to the water and swim 1736 lengths of my local swimming pool, which equates to the 28 mile length of the River Soar in Leicestershire.

I love the water, but 28 miles certainly will be a gruelling task, especially as I only have until the 1 March to complete the distance. But the physical pain, chlorine smell and pruney fingers and toes really will be worth it, as I am doing it in support of England’s leading youth charity, vinspired.

Vinspired is a fantastic organisation that works with 16-25 year olds all over the country and creates opportunities for them to do good things. They enable young people of all backgrounds to volunteer and do something positive for causes and communities nationwide. By doing so, they gain skills, rewards and recognition, which helps them to build their confidence and a better future for themselves.

Vinspired has already created 1 million volunteering opportunities nationwide, which has allowed young people to  make some incredible contributions to their local communities. With the help of vinspired 16-25 year olds are challenging the stereotype of the “apathetic youth” and making positive changes in society.

With youth unemployment is at an all time high vinspired is needed now more than ever to reach out to the most vulnerable and disadvantaged young people in the country, and help them to reach their full potential.

So please, sponsor me to swim 28 miles! By doing so you will be helping young people all over the country to create a better future for themselves; a future of opportunity that they all deserve.

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 and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.

Thank you again, Jen xxx