This year marks the final time I will attempt to raise funds for a personal cause in memory of my father. Although the last 2 years have resulted in significant milestones for me personally, it ultimately showcased the overwhelming generosity of everyone that in some way, crossed paths with my father. So far, the money we have raised has helped buy and install defibrillators in India and the UK, helped purchase new cricket equipment for Syed, the Afghan refugee who joined my cricket club and finally, helped raised awareness for men’s mental health and charities like Andy’s Man Club.

In 2021, I did a run carrying my dads golf clubs. Last year, I did a bike ride and I thought this year, it would be fitting to attempt something I have never done before and to push myself to the limits. For those of you who don’t know me, not only do I not know how to swim, but also, I am an absolute liability to others in the water. So, on the 16th of October 2023, I will be swimming 70 lengths (as this year, he would have turned 70) in an Olympic size pool.

The biggest challenge will be to learn how to swim in 3 months but hopefully, I can count on everyone’s support to raise funds for another great cause. After this, I will not remember the 16th of October anymore, but every other day he was part of our lives.

For those of you who remember Syed’s story, he is currently applying for asylum in the UK and is one of the highest wicket takers in our cricket club. Syed has not seen his family for years and they are still in Afghanistan so I will be raising to fund his legal fees and also once he gets his papers through, to pay for his flights to visit his family. I cant imagine how he has had the strength at such a young age to go through so much adversity but I am very proud to be part of his journey and can only hope that I can help and support him in whatever way I can.