Having started sea swimming in 2021, my husband, Ross, thought he would be funny and sign me up for the K2K swim in 2022. It was a magical experience and I was delighted to be part of the main fund raising event for the Lochalsh Leisure Centre. The last time I had been in those waters was on the ferry in October 1995; never in a million years did I imagine then I would one day be swimming across!

The leisure centre has been a huge part of the Lochalsh and South Skye community since 1992. As a mum and a teacher living and working in the south of the island, I am so thankful in particular for the swimming pool and to all the wonderful staff who have ensured so many youngsters became accomplished swimmers; my own daughter included. She was devastated in January this year to hear that the pool had to close as it meant her Junior Life Guarding lessons had to stop.

The current board and staff at the leisure centre have faced challenges but are continuing with their best efforts to get the centre reopened. To support the reopening they are going ahead with the Kyleakin to Kyle swim on September 7th 2024 coinciding with the Kyle maritime day. As a past participant of the swim I received an email to ask for my support. I am delighted to get the chance to take part in K2K 2024 and to try to raise funds for the centre. That‘s where you all come in hopefully. If you are at all able to sponsor me in my third K2K I would be so incredibly thankful. It has been a long 8 months without the leisure centre and it was disappointing not to be able to take our pupils in Broadford for their swimming lessons. Here’s hoping our classes in the school year 2024 - 2025 are able to get back splashing and develop life saving skills.

Thanking you all in anticipation of reaching my £300 target.

Shona xx