On Saturday 17th September, I will be completing the Serpentine Swim to raise money and awareness for Verity Grainger, to support her battle with the rare degenerative disease MNGIE.

Verity is my closest childhood friend. I met Verity when we were nine years old and we have enjoyed every moment of growing up together. From getting into trouble in RE for talking too much, backpacking through Russia, getting sunburnt in Siberia and being the guests of honour at an Egyptian wedding. I have shared the best moments with V and she is the kindest, sweetest and most generous person you will ever meet. I have had the pleasure of seeing her getting married and shared the joy of her first child Noah.

Verity was diagnosed with MNGIE in 2016. MNGIE (mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy) is an ultra-rare life-shortening genetic condition that blocks the production of a particular enzyme, causing a build-up of metabolites in the blood that damages mitochondria. So rare in fact, that there are only around 200 people documented to have the condition worldwide. Sadly, Verity is one of these cases. MNGIE is an unmerciful condition that impacts many areas of the body and causes it to slowly degenerate.

Please see the following Sky News article for more details: https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/news.sky.com/story/amp/two-sisters-fight-to-survive-ultra-rare-condition-which-killed-elder-sibling-and-affects-just-200-people-worldwide-12614609

All money raised from my swim will be donated directly to Verity's cause.