Why am I raising money?

I have decided to do a sponsored swim to raise some money for 4 charities which have supported my family and my best friend over the last 5 years.

In 2017 my Dad was diagnosed with a really rare cancer in his sinus. Since then he has had 9 big operations and a lot of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Unfortunately the cancer keeps coming back and he is still having treatment now - for the last 5 years he has dealt with so much and has had so much support from Macmillan and the Isabel hospice - I want to give something back to them so that they can keep helping more people like my Dad.

Maggie's have really helped me to deal with everything that has been going on and I have had brilliant support from my Art Therapist, Victoria. I really look forward to my sessions with her and she has helped me to open up and talk about things.

GOSH have been looking after my best friend, Eilidh, for the last 18 months. In October 2020, she was diagnosed with Leukaemia and needed urgent treatment. She has been going to GOSH ever since and is still having treatment there. I want to raise money for them to say Thank you for everything they are doing for Eilidh.

What can you sponsor me for?

On Sunday 29th May 2022, I am going to swim 120 lengths (3km) which is the furthest I will have swum in one go.

Which charities am I supporting?

I have decided to split all of my sponsorship money equally between the 4 charities below (this part was written by my mum!!)

Macmillan Cancer Support: Throughout the last 5 years we have received an enormous amount of support from our Macmillan nurse, Manny. She has been with us through every stage of the journey and has provided advice, practical and emotional support as well as being a very important point of contact between us and the medical team.

Isabel Hospice: Simon receives symptom management care and support from the team at the Isabel Hospice. He was admitted as an inpatient for a week at the start of the year for pain management. This has had a huge positive impact on his quality of life and has allowed us as a family to continue with day-to-day life.

Maggie's Centres: We were referred to the team at Maggie’s in Cambridge in order for Izzy to receive some support in the form of Art Therapy. She has been seeing the Art Therapist there for the last 6 months which has given her the space to open up and chat one to one in a relaxed, informal environment.

Great Ormond Street Hospital: GOSH have been providing excellent treatment and care for Izzy’s best friend, Eilidh, for the last 18 months. As well as the treatment they have also been an amazing support for Eilidh and her family during this time.