I take my role as 'Aunty Ruby' very seriously and as it would have been my eldest nieces 10th birthday this year I felt it was only right to mark the occasion. Swimming has always been part of my life, my sisters life (Zoe's mum) and all my nieces lives so I've decided a Swimathon challenge will be fitting way to celebrate - turning double figures is an important milestone after all!

We lost beautiful Zoe eight years ago to a form of cancer called neuroblastoma. Everyday, memories of Zoe and what her parents went through remind me of how lucky I am to have people I love in my life. Through her treatments Zoe still laughed and played and kept going and I try to use this to remind me that even the toughest challenges - like swimming 5km without any training! - can be faced with a positive outlook.

I will be delighted if you choose to donate towards this wonderful cause and join me in supporting Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie. I promise I'll do my best not to drown in the process!

Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie are calling on the nation to get down to the pool for Swimathon 2019 - thousands of swimmers, two great causes, one big charity challenge. Cancer Research UK, the worlds leading cancer charity is dedicated to saving lives through research. They don't receive any government funding for their work, so their progress is all thanks to the support of people like you. Marie Curie provides expert care, guidance and support for people living with any terminal illness, and their families. Around 2,100 Marie Curie Nurses work day and night, in peoples homes all over the UK, providing hands-on care to people when they need it most.On 29th - 31st March, over 21,000 swimmers will be heading to over 600 pools across the UK to raise money for our two amazing charity partners. Together we can really make a difference. We invite our swimmers to tell their story to help spread awareness and raise vital funds for these two incredible causes.