In October super typhoon Haima/Lawin made landfall in the North East of Luzon, Philippines. This typhoon passed over the area where I spent 4 months completing my Masters research project devastating the small communities in its path.

The people impacted by this typhoon have at best suffered huge structural damage to their homes. Many who live in simple yet beautifully constructed wooden houses will have lost their homes entirely.

There were many people who welcomed me during my time in the Philippines and made my project a success. Particularly my field assistants, Escobar, Mulvie and Arnold. Not only did these guys take care of me in very remote locations for long periods of time, they did everything in their power to help me collect a very difficult data set and also welcomed me into their families when we returned to the communities. I can not thank them enough. I am in the position I am now, studying for my PhD, thanks to their efforts.

The money I paid Escobar for his help he used to build a wonderful wooden home for his family. I fear that this has now been destroyed by the typhoon.

Funds raised will be given to the conservation organisation Mabuwaya. They will use this money to directly help the communities damaged by the typhoon.

Most people who know me will also know how terrible I am at swimming and how much I do not enjoy it! So I have given myself the challenge of swimming a mile a day for every day in December. On days that the swimming baths will be closed I am going to make up the distance on other days that week. To give you an idea of how bad I am when I practised last week it took me 1.5 hrs to cover a mile!

I know Christmas is an expensive time of the year and any donation however small will be hugely appreciated.

If anyone wants to join me on my swims please do! Any day in December!!