Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I am taking part in Hythe Swimming Pool Cross Channel Distance Swim to raise money for the Pilgrims Hospices.  This involves the mammoth task of swimming 22 miles (that’s1416 lengths!) overnight at the pool on the 21st/ 22nd July.   At my current swimming rate this is likely to take me approximately 15 hours.  I am hoping to improve on this time through my training, although will be happy to finish regardless.

This event has been organised by Mike Smith (Swimming Coach and Iron Man).  Mike was training for a Double Iron Man when a tumour was discovered in his spinal cord.  The removal of the tumour left Mike paralysed in his right leg.  Shortly after his operation, two of Mike’s brothers were also diagnosed with cancer and unfortunately they both died from the illness.  Mike was keen to support the valuable work of the Pilgrims Hospices having seen and experienced the effects of cancer first hand.  Unable to complete his training for the Double Iron Man, Mike looked for a new challenge.  Swimming is one of the only sports he can still participate in, so he decided on a Cross Channel Distance Swim Challenge. 

Unfortunately, due to recent complications with his leg, Mike is no longer able to participate in this challenge.  However, through his enthusiasm and determination he has managed to inspire 22 crazy people to attempt the challenge on his behalf. As a swimming coach he is helping with his expert advice and encouragement to those of us taking part.

Swimming the channel is something I have always wanted to do but I had never seriously thought of attempting to swim this distance until Mike encouraged me to give it a go.   So far, I have managed to swim five miles in one session – so only need to be able to do another 17!

Please give whatever you can afford –it’s for such a worthy charity, and I need all the support and motivation I can get to help me continue training for this tough challenge.