My 11yr old niece Eilidh is a real “trouper” and never moans despite being born with a hemi-plegic cerebral palsy and then being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 5. This is thought to be unique in Scotland.

I plan to swim across the widest point of Loch Lomond (the highland boundary fault line for geographers). It’s 5 miles so I hope to complete in 3 hrs. Weather permitting this will be late July / early August.

I aim to raise the £2,500 that is needed to get her a “Functional Electrical Stimulation” system to help activate the muscles that lift her right foot. If, like me, you think this is a worthwhile cause then I’d really value your support. I’ve set up a just-giving page here;

www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/DavidswimmingforEilidh

and will make up any shortfall personally. Of course I’d be delighted to receive any donations directly so just contact me for details. Should there be a surplus then this will go to Juvenile Diabetic Research, who aim to improve the lives of young people living with Type 1 Diabetes.

Thank you very much, in anticipation.