Sophie, who was one of the most active and energetic people I know, contracted Japanese Encephalitis whilst working on conservation fieldwork in South-East China in July 2015. This caused a devastating rare brain injury which, following a coma, has left her confined to a wheelchair, dependant on a ventilator and unable to use her arms or even move her head more than a fraction, let alone run up and down mountains, do yoga outside every morning, African dance, playing percussion in a band, rock climbing, swimming outdoors, or any of the other things she used to enjoy doing, and which most of us could still do if only we could muster the energy (I usually can't!). As a well-respected Conservation Scientist and teacher, a musician, commuity actuivator and great friend to many, Sophie has inspired and helped so many people achieve great things over the years, and she is still doing this today. Sophie’s dad Mike says "Sophie has astounded everyone with her recovery and remains very positive. She never complains and to enable her to return home would be such a tremendous boost for her." Sophie’s partner Robert, who has been at her side every day since she fell ill, said "Our lives have been on hold, getting Sophie back home will mean so much to us both, and be really beneficial to her recovery". She is currently hoping to re-gain some independance by returning to her home in Snowdonia amongst friends, and with her partner Robert, after years of living in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and now a nursing home, but a lot of work is needed to make their home suitable for the carers, equipment and wheelchair access Sophie needs.

AND...

Level Water is a charity who works with disabled children who thankfully ARE able to experience the joy of swimming, but only with the right support and help (https://www.levelwater.org). Level Water provide one-to one swimming lessons for children until they can swim 15m front crawl or backstroke meaning they can be safe in the water. These children would probably otherwise never learn to swim, and this is also enabling them to develop confidence, self-esteem and resilience, as well as experiencing the joy of being in the water.

SO...

I love swimming, especially in the wild, and I am very grateful for the fact that that there is nothing stopping me doing it! So, I am going to swim 10km along the river Dart this September (https://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/dart-10k-swim/), and will be incredibly grateful for any donations you can give to encourage me to train for 10km swimming (4+ hours) in a cold river! I will be splitting any donations you are able to give between the two very worthy causes I have talked about.

Thank-you very much!!!