Thank you so much for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page.

What are we doing and are we up to the challenge?

On 22nd September my sister and I will be taking to the open water to Swim the Serpentine to raise money to buy physio equipment for Havenmere.

This is a huge challenge for both Rebecca and I – when we started training for the swim neither of us could swim more than 25 meters without having to stop for a breather, i couldn't even do front crawl and we’ve got to swim 1 mile (that’s 1606 meters to be precise) in just a few months. For someone that hasn’t personally taken part in any sporting activity since leaving school and having gone through major knee surgery a few years ago this will be no easy task!

What is Havenmere? It's a purpose built nurse led home for adults with complex brain injuries, who are supporting us and our Dad while he fights to get his life back on track. It‘s a wonderful place that builds care and activity plans around individuals, supporting, nurturing and encouraging them to live happy and fulfilled lives.

When considering what fundraising events we could take part in to support and honor our Dad, Swim Serpentine seemed perfect. Our Dad used to swim really well and he taught us both to swim when we were kids and it was one of our favorite things to do with him. Check us out in the pic below!

Are we mad to take on this challenge? Probably yes! but here we are and we hope we can make our Dad proud!

Why are we doing this?

Marks Diagnosis

This is our Dad Mark. He’s 59 years old, from Alkborough in North Lincolnshire. In December 2016, he suffered a devastating stroke leaving his entire right side paralysed, left side partially paralysed, and asphasia in the areas of the brain that control speech and language leaving him unable to speak or eat properly.

Within a week of Marks stroke he suffered a lung aspiration which developed into a lung infection resulting in Mark being moved to intensive care and being put on ventilator to breathe for him whilst his lungs healed. We were told the prognosis was not good that his organs were failing and to prepare for the worst. Despite all odds, he seemed to hang on in there and after 3 months and a tracheostomy later he was able to leave intensive care.

Treatment

After some time on the stroke ward we managed to secure funding for Mark to be moved to a neurological rehabilitation centre over in Goole. Mark arrived, paralysed and unable to speak, was only able to drink and eat through a peg in his stomach and breathe through the support of his trachy. He was only able to stay awake for small amounts of time due to being so weak and exhausted and unable to sit without help. During his 10 months stay at GNRC, the amazing staff helped dad to sit up on his own, breathe on his own and he is now even able to drink and eat. Whilst his right side remains paralysed and he still suffers from asphasia, he now has movement in his left arm and leg.

Since being discharged from GNRC we have managed to secure funding for our Dad to be moved to Havenmere in Immingham. There are no words to explain how much Havenmere have supported our dad and us as a family. We will never be able to repay them for their love and kindness but hope this gesture helps show our appreciation for everything they have done and continue to do for us all.

Fundraising appeal

Our focus is on raising enough funds to buy some physio equipment not just for Marks needs but for all the very special residents with complex brain injuries at Havenmere to support them all on their unique rehabilitation journeys.

How can you help?

So this is where you come in!

SPONSER US: If you can afford a small donation or are looking to raise money for a good cause please consider this one.

SHARE: Please share our Just Giving page on Social Media – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram where ever you can!

COME AND WATCH! If you’d like to come and watch us take on this challenge then we would love to see you there! There will be grandstands in the event area for the public to use as well as spectator areas around the Serpentine. There will also be a public wheelchair viewing area adjacent to the grandstands. On the day there will be outdoor games, as well as face painting even paddle boats so will be a great day out!

When is it? – 22nd September 2018 our race time is 10am

How to get there – Its recommended you use public transport to get to the event. There is limited parking in Hyde Park – find out more here.

The future

Mark is still very young and wants to be independent. We hope in time that he will be able to gain greater independence through rehabilitation and be able to be in a home of his own and live a happy and comfortable life.

Thank you for taking the time to read our page. Every donation is appreciated, and will go directly towards supporting him and his fellow residents in their recovery.

Sarah and Rebecca x