I took up swimming after the first lockdown to improve my cardiovascular system, make friends and be active. Despite previous injuries and mental illnesses, I have been enjoying my training and am looking for my next challenge.

Swimming has been a major boost for me. From struggling with
a left leg injury for many years, and a continuous pain in the right wrist
since the beginning of the first lockdown. My mental wellbeing hasn't been great, with major setbacks and obstacles for the most part of my life. Swimming has help to have an external diversion and to get away from my issues and focus on something else.

Though to start with I was not a strong swimmer I have been
able to maintain a 1.25Km/ 50 length average within a 45 minute session and now aiming for the 2.5Km, 100 lengths in the Swimathon. The total time for the Swimathon is three hours, however my own goal is to achieve the 2.5Km within one and a half hours.

I have chosen to open up an additional page for Derby Kids Camp in honour of my friend, Adam Bannister. It is approaching six years since Adam sadly past away, however before this occurred Adam was a keen volunteer when we were younger. Derby Kids Camp provide a weeks holiday for disadvantaged children within Derbyshire and Staffordshire. Before his death Adam would attend these holidays as a volunteer so that more children would be able to benefit. During these events the children are able to enjoy new sporting and craft experiences, countryside encounters and try their hand at something which may be new to them, such as swimming. Though Adams family have been involved, and still are this is my first time at fundraising for the organisation. Hopefully not my last though :)!

The Swimathon is taking place on 11th September 2021, all proceeds on this page will be going to Derby Kids Camp and infomation of how the event goes will be uploaded upon completion. Thank you for your support :)