Well, a couple of days on and pondering (with sore shoulders) on what has been so very much a roller coaster ride, I write to report that I completed the cross-Solent swim last Saturday morning (9th September 2023) - at the sixth time of asking.

So many of you will have read of my journey and we may well have discussed on numerous occasions, the challenges that have been experienced leading to last weekend's successful completion.

Training for the swim - which was eventually c.3k (big respect to the sea and the currents!) - whilst not the longest in the world - proved to be soooo much more than a swim in the sea! Physically, mentally and emotionally, it's probably one of the toughest things I've ever done - for a whole host of reasons.

The preparation taught me patience and resilience and proved that you don't go anywhere quickly while swimming. I learned to reconcile myself to spending a long time in the water, wherever it was, pool, lake or the sea.

Furthermore, the whole exercise also taught me that to achieve what seemed on occasions, completely impossible, I needed to be patient and diligent as I covered thousands of meters - most of them in the right direction - knowing that if I maintained progress, no matter how small, I would eventually reach my destination. Now, who would have thought that swimming would deliver such a rich metaphor for life?

I made it to the end eventually and with your support, all money raised has gone to the Wessex Cancer Trust. As I write, with the help of Gift Aid, you've contributed more than £4000; the final figure will be announced by the Trust within the next few weeks; I'll let you know.

For the record, I covered all my own costs - the swim, transport, accommodation and ferry fares throughout the time leading up to the successful completion and the Trust provided the safety kayak support on the day.

There is still time to sponsor the swim and my efforts thereby helping the Wessex Cancer Trust to make a difference for cancer sufferers and their families.

And finally . . . it's difficult to find words to say how very grateful I am to those of you who've taken time to sponsor and support my endeavours, for your generosity and your patience - we got there in the end!!

With much love and thanks; go well my friends - THANK YOU.

John

That's it . . . well for the time being. What's next??????

11 September 2023

************

Eight days to go before I get to swim the Solent!!!

I’ve been faffing around this morning getting various bits and pieces of kit together in readiness for next week and I now sit here with fingers figuratively crossed, hoping Neptune behaves this year!

It’s also been a time for reflection on what would have been if I hadn’t been through the “cancer thing”.

Personally, my cancer diagnosis and treatments have put things in my life into perspective and I no longer take life for granted and certainly value it more. Making the most of every day, enjoying myself and the company of dear friends and those I love - missing the company of treasured friends Phil Law, Sheila Moss and Nick Johnson particularly – and doing things I never thought were appropriate/possible are now very important.  

I think I’ll always want to remember my cancer so that I’ll never take life for granted; I wouldn’t have chosen to have cancer but I’m perversely glad about the ways in which it has changed my life for the better.

Experiencing cancer, the various treatments and the ongoing aftermath of those treatments has helped me to put things in perspective and I no longer worry about small things that now seem not so important. Having faced a not very nice diagnosis, I now appreciate how short life can be and life now feels precious and honestly, I feel glad to be alive . . .

Dealing with the difficulties of cancer diagnosis and treatment has helped me to discover strengths within myself of which I had been previously unaware and the experience had made me a stronger, more positive person. The other real bonuses have been the quiet, embracing support I’ve had from my choir friends and of course, getting back in the water! I love the feeling of being in the water and never feel like I have cancer when I’m swimming.  

I sometimes have aches and pains but for the most part – the lower back’s a bit of a nightmare - they always go when I’m swimming; I feel like it’s really good for me and everything is always better after a swim. And . . . if I have a difficult moment, music is always a great healer!

I guess we all know someone who has been affected by cancer in some way but experiencing first-hand that coldness and numbness that consumes you when the doctor says "it's cancer", well . . . 

These past couple of years haven't been easy and I've still a way to go but I'm not giving up. I've found an inner strength through the whole experience which has taken its toll but I wear the scars with pride as they're a reminder of when cancer tried to break me but failed - but then there's the Solent . . . !

Many of you have already taken time to donate to the Wessex Cancer Trust, a charity that's a little haven of kindness and love and I'm really keen to raise a pile of money for them to help others that are facing or will face the challenges of cancer in the future. They offer much needed support and guidance at a time of need where it's not always available and I want do what I can for them.

I very much appreciate that life is hard at the moment, the cost of living challenge is so hard and every penny counts. However, any donation you can share would be hugely appreciated and will go to help a truly wonderful charity.

So . . . Solent, here I come; I'll keep you posted. 

With love and thanks, go well my friends,

John

August 5th 2023

Hi everyone,

It’s been a long time since I was here and it was a timely reminder last week from a close friend – “John, are you still planning to swim the Solent this year?” – that’s prompted me to get in touch with my friends and supporters.

As many of you know, last year’s attempt to complete the Solent Challenge was cancelled three times. Whilst frustrating, I must admit there was no joy - particularly at the last cancellation – 4.10am on a Sunday morning! - in thinking of trying to combat “significant swells” mid-Solent. So . . . fingers crossed for August 12^th!

The cancellations have meant that there was always going to be a need to swim, stay water fit and in training for the task ahead. However, in the meantime, it’s been a bit of a roller coaster. 

With best intentions, I’d kept to a fairly disciplined schedule, swimming at least three times a week and sometimes more but . . . that all took a dive (pun unintended) at the beginning of the year.

As well as the constant fatigue (a legacy of the radiotherapy) I had surgeries which meant that I was unable to swim for a number of weeks which for some reason annoyed me more than the surgeries! Whilst incredibly frustrating, time out of the water was also time for reflection . . . reflection on what I’ve taken from the last couple of years?

The beginning of the year saw me at my most depressed and the weakest I’ve ever been. But . . . whilst I may have had cancer and still battle the after effects of treatment, I’m determined that it isn’t going to rule my life . . . it’s not going to control me. The human body is a fantastic piece of machinery and the only thing stopping me is me. I continue to learn that even at my tender age(!) if you push your boundaries, it’s surprising what can be achieved.

So, finally done with biopsies, surgery and radiotherapy, in my first dip in the pool after surgery, I managed just two lengths of the leisure centre pool – 50m. A week later I managed 1000m and whilst on occasions the thought of open water swimming is still a bit intimidating, I realised that having the opportunity taken away was frustrating. 

Moving on, I’m now back in the water again; it’s a slow start, fitness levels are low and each stroke stretches the scar tissue, but the buzz after a swim makes it worth it.

Whilst it’s taken a brush with a life-threatening illness to find my ‘can do/will do’ attitude, I can now again jump straight into the pool and I will complete the Solent swim this year.

Coping with more recent challenges has all been made easier by the support of you all, my friends and your encouragement and interest is infectious. 

And . . . I’d recommend everyone give swimming, especially outdoors, a shot as it’s a great way to get fit, feel good and meet a great bunch of slightly crazy people. Immersing yourself in cold water is now prescribed for neurological conditions such as depression and I can see why, it seems to have a sort of reset effect on your mind and body; honestly!!!

Finally, extremely conscious of current tough times, the funds you raise and the contributions you make are very, very gratefully received and are essential in helping the Wessex Cancer Trust to deliver their vital support services to people affected by cancer; just saying! 

Thank you for making a difference and bring on the Solent!! 

As ever, with very best wishes to you all and enjoy the sunshine!!

John, 15.06.23

****************

Well, you'll see from the title, I'm now looking at 2023 before I attempt the Solent crossing! As a matter of courtesy, I thought it right that I should let those of you who've been so kind to sponsor me, that your donations are safe and sound and will be carried over to next year's adventure. I've not done a "runner" and I will complete the challenge.

It's been frustrating for everyone involved; the volunteers at Wessex, the kayakers, the pilots of the ribs and all the administrative staff in trying to get this show on the road! It's nobody's fault, stuff happens but ultimately, Neptune calls the shots!!!

However, the dubious benefit is that I've got to stay with the training in an effort to maintain my fitness in readiness for the challenges of the Solent. In fairness, at the last cancellation it was certainly "lumpy" and understandable that safety of all the swimmers is always a priority.

The new date is 12th August 2023 with "reserve dates" of the 13th August, 9th and 10th September 2023. As before, my friends, I'll keep you posted. 

From a guy in a still soggy wetsuit (mind you, open water's getting a bit nippy now!}, thank you for your patience and understanding.

I'll close my JustGiving page on the 12th September 2023.

With very best wishes,

John

Fed up with reflecting . . . 

Well, here I am, sitting in my car at the Yarmouth ferry terminal on the Isle of Wight, waiting for a ferry to take me back to the mainland and then my drive back to Penarth. Sitting in my car, contemplating and thinking about the charity swim that didn't happen!!!

I came to the Island last Friday, fully prepared and ready to attempt the cross Solent swim as a fund raising initiative on behalf of the Wessex Cancer Trust - but it didn't happen - this time!!!!

Why not? Together with my friend Suzanne, the two of us waited at 4.10am yesterday morning, at the appointed meeting place in Yarmouth, waiting to be transported to the mainland by a rib in readiness for the swim back to the Island; just two of us, wondering where the other island-based swimmers were. "Check your phone" says Suzanne wisely; I did. 4.30am Sunday morning I read a text saying that the swim had been cancelled due to adverse weather conditions mid-Solent and at our landing point in the Island's Colwell Bay.

By all accounts some pretty heavy sea swell and wind that was not deemed to be appropriate for swimming - Neptune (well actually the WCT support team as well as the safety lifeboats) had spoken!!! We quietly broke the bad news to a couple of latecomers, Suzanne took the 6.10am ferry back to the mainland and I went back to my accommodation to catch up, though not successfully, on some much needed sleep (We were due to start the swim at 5.30am).

I write this because I'm acutely aware of so many of you have contributed close to £3800 to my fund-raising effort (including the add-ons) and shown great faith in me completing the task. Frustrating, disappointing, embarrassing, indeed a whole gamut of emotions have surfaced but I will get it done. Like many of my fellow fundraising swimmers, we're in the hands of the WCT, the elements, the support staff, the volunteers and Neptune!

From WCT's perspective, delivering the bad news on Sunday morning was never going to be easy. However, I do know of the tremendous effort, endeavour and commitment from everyone involved particularly WCT's Michelle and Laura - all of whom give their time and effort voluntarily - and that they are now looking to find an appropriate alternative date(s) when we can complete the task. It's all about the tides and the currents which by all accounts are pretty fierce in the particular stretch of water.

As soon as I have further news, I'll be in touch - I promise! Thank you all once again, for your financial support and such supportive messages!

Thank you from the "nutter" in a not even remotely damp wetsuit!!!

John

22 August 2022

*****************************

Another update and some reflections . . . 

To my supporters and those of you who've kindly donated or expressed an interest in my Solent swim challenge, you may be wondering how it all went!!!

Well, the swim, scheduled originally for the 26th June was postponed on the advice of the Wessex Cancer Trust, their partners and volunteers. With far too much of a sea swell, safety was obviously the defining factor.

So there I was, all revved up an nowhere to go but . . . I'd been given more time to prepare for the swim, now scheduled for the 21st August and a sunrise (5.30am) start!!

Now that we're experiencing warmer weather and the lake and sea temperatures are increasing, I've spent far more time training in open water rather than in the local leisure centre pool.

It may be me, but I find that every open water swim, wherever the venue, is different and brings, often, another set of emotions. Lots of thinking time as I turn my arms and time to break down the components of open water swimming; I've begun to see where the fear lies, real or imagined.

I guess its perfectly normal to have an anxiety or a fear of swimming in open water and for any "newbies" like me, it'll be a daunting experience, venturing out into a lake, the sea or a river, way out of our respective comfort zones.

I recognise that there are many reasons for this fear: the deeper water, poor visibility, plants, fish/creatures, fear of sinking, the unknown, a wide open space, the cold . . . the list goes on but I've also learned that I'm not alone. Anxiety is perfectly normal and it can be overcome.

I've been very fortunate to have fine friends at the Tewkesbury Triathlon Club as well as close personal friends who in their own ways have helped me take control and face the prospect of the challenge of the swim and sometimes . . . well, I just need to challenge myself!

Challenges come frequently, that's a reality I've now one to accept. It doesn't however alter the fact that being diagnosed with cancer has brought up many emotions, particularly the second time. Shocked, confused, upset and worried, it's like an emotional roller-coaster; one day all's positive, another day I'm sad and anxious and finding coping hard.

The really frustrating aspect though is that on occasions, my mind wants to do things that my body just won't allow and it's the fatigue and the aches that are the real problem. It comes on suddenly, isn't the result of activity or exertion and no amount of rest or sleep helps. I feel physically, emotionally and mentally exhausted most of the time. 

However, recognising that despite the fatigue, I've made a commitment to the Trust and to my supporters, I need to train in readiness for the swim and. . . . I've found that the exercise is one of my most important self-medications. Together with support from those I love, particularly, makes it all work!

Quite simply, having swum for (say) a couple of hours, I leave the water with a real sense of achievement and I'm very quietly waving the proverbial two fingers at the whole cancer thing - it really is a "f**k you. cancer" moment!

I really don't have sufficient words to say how grateful I am to you, my friends, for the messages of support that I've received. From far and wide, it's been a joy to read the many positive comments on my JustGiving page though I've yet to track down the anonymous gift from someone whose message was "Bennett, you nutter" - perhaps they have a point! Nevertheless, you'll see that you've all been quite magnificent in making your contributions.

If anyone's a mind to donate, big or small, thank you; it all counts, really.

Heartfelt thanks to you all on behalf of the Wessex Cancer Trust and the "nutter" in a still soggy wetsuit!

John

20 July 2022

PS: I'll let you know how I get on next month.

As promised, an update.

Here I am, just over a month before I attempt the Solent swim!

I thought it only right to keep you in the loop, particularly those of you who've given so generously towards my fund-raising efforts for the wonderful Wessex Cancer Trust.

So, how's it all going?

Well, if today's training stint was to be a judge of progress, I'd be sliding backwards pretty darn quickly; "swimming in treacle" seems to be apt and frankly, I feel like s**t!

Nevertheless, these last couple of weeks particularly - I don't know why - have been a time for reflecting on what has happened since my cancer diagnosis and what I've been able to take from the last two or so years.

I may have had my second bout of cancer but I decided early on that it wasn't going to control me. But . . . whilst my oncologist had taken great pains to explain the after-effects of radiotherapy, the reality has been something else! Intense fatigue, loss of appetite, serious stiffness in joints and muscles and the occasional onset of nausea has found me at my most vulnerable and the weakest I have ever been.

I've never been one for self-analysis and I don't have a particularly busy life but I do on occasions have a very busy head which is, I guess, the worry and concern about when the treatment after-effects will cease. 

However, despite feeling like the proverbial today, I've found some real positives and solace through swimming and the people I've met. Whilst going into the water is pretty much a necessity at the moment, it's friends, family and the memory of lost friends that has really lifted me and helped the journey to recovery a wee bit easier.

I did my first sea swim last weekend in Barry (cold and scary) with Dave Granger, a great friend from the Tewkesbury Triathlon Club and Granger's Angels, Clare, Rhona, Mitch and Nikki, four ladies from whom I gained much inspiration - they're swimming the Channel in August as a four-person relay. I did a lake swim last week with my good friend Georgina, from the choir, supporting her in her first open water venture which gave me a real sense of purpose and I had my first glimpse of the Solent from fellow Wessex Cancer Trust fund-raising swimmers.

The occasional positive comment from poolside staff at the leisure centre also gives me strength when the last thingI want to do is swim for an hour! Nevertheless, whether it's perversity, pure stubbornness or the memory of wonderful choir friends, Phil, Sheila and Nick that keeps me going, who knows, but so far, I've still managed to knock out the meters in readiness for next month's challenge.

It's interesting that while fighting cancer, people often comment on how brave and courageous you are.

While I am a firm believer in taking all the compliments you can when you look and feel like s**t, this particular comment has never rung true for me. Real courage is when you are intimidated by something and voluntarily choose to do it anyway and what I feel quite simply, is determination.

I didn't feel that there was any choice but to treat my cancer aggressively, so really, there was no bravery involved at all. Moments of doubt, depression and anxiety accompany any serious disease but the overall colours of the experience are determined in large part, by choice.

As one of my children said, "Dad, cancer treatment isn't fun but it sure beats the worst case scenario alternative if you'd chosen no treatment at all". I can't really argue with that!

If there's one thing I've learned, it's this: the human body is a fantastic piece of machinery and the only thing stopping you is you. I've learnt that if you push your boundaries, you'll be surprised what you can achieve. To paraphrase a quote used by a swim coach who acted as my mentor in my early coaching career; "John, it's all about the top two inches".

So here I am, just a few weeks away from challenging "the top two inches"!! 

I'm encouraged by the many positive comments I've received from so many of you, those of you who've donated and those who think I'm just insane!!! Nevertheless, unashamedly, I continue to ask for donations in support of the Wessex Cancer Trust. Big or small, whatever you can manage in these challenging times, everything counts.

Wessex Cancer Trust - Just Giving. https://www.justgiving.com/wessexcancer

https://www.wessexcancer.org/event/swim-for-hope-22/.

Please see my JustGiving page and donate whatever you can.

Thank you my friends, from the bottom of my heart and a soggy wetsuit!!!

26.05.22

***********************

I'm announcing to anyone that'll listen that I plan to swim the Solent!

Whilst training hard, I'm reminded by many that swimming across the Solent isn't just another open water swim and shouldn't be undertaken without some serious preparation. Not as difficult as swimming the English Channel, the cross Solent swimmer has to negotiate at least one busy shipping lane, around ferries and hovercraft travelling to and from the Isle of Wight and avoid the many pleasure boats using the Solent. The currents produced by the tides are strong and complex and cannot be ignored.

Why the swim . . . well, personally and I hope, on your behalf, my  swim will represent the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, organisations like the Wessex Cancer Trust, who continue to walk alongside those  battling cancer, continue to help, support and find peace that one day cancer will be eliminated.

I'm very conscious of "compassion fatigue" and the challenges that the world faces, particularly at the moment, but nevertheless, I'm putting this Just Giving appeal out there in an effort to raise some serious funds for the Wessex Cancer Trust, an organisation that helps and supports anyone affected by cancer, regardless of age, gender or type of cancer.

Hearing the word for the first time was a shock, even when I probably knew what the diagnosis was going to be. Fortunately, two visits to the operating theatre eventually sorted my first battle with cancer - I thought I'd got away with it!  I was 74 when I was diagnosed with cancer for the second time - this time it was prostate and it was all a bit too much!  

I'd thought on occasions, that perhaps I should get things checked - prostate cancer took my father - the way we men are advised to do and eventually I made that appointment . . . I hadn't really bargained for what followed!

My GP was concerned with my symptoms and booked me in for an urgent referral. The rapid process of consultations, further referrals, tests and biopsies that followed, proved to be a real emotional roller coaster; I don't think anyone initially mentioned the word "cancer" but in truth, I quietly, knew what we were talking about. Ten days later I was seen at the hospital and referred for biopsies that took place a week later.

More than three years on, my treatment continues but I'm positive and know that eventually this will be curable. Probably more importantly, I've been touched by how many people have reached out to me since my diagnosis. I've been incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by wonderful support from my family networks, close friends and dear colleagues from the i-Sing choir and feel very blessed; it's on this basis that I'm making my appeal.

We all know someone whose life has been touched by cancer, it could be our family members or our friends and a diagnosis can bring different fears and emotions that have a huge impact on an entire family. That's why I'm so pleased to be supporting the wonderful work of the Wessex Cancer Trust, an organisation that provides free and emotional support to anyone living with and experiencing the challenges of cancer.

Having experienced so much emotional support, I hope - health permitting - that I can raise a serious amount of funds for the Trust by swimming the Solent on the 27th June. Unfortunately, in my 78th year, my knees are "shot" so I can't run, I've done skydiving and I think you'll understand that cycling - well at the moment at least - isn't an option!!! I guess swimming is my only fundraising choice! I'll keep you posted.

In the meantime, any amount you can contribute will be extremely gratefully received; THANK YOU. John

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.