Did you know that right now nearly 1.4 million Syrians are living as refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, and Iraq, having fled brutal fighting at home? And that an estimated 6.8 million Syrians are in desperate need of humanitarian aid? Syria is just one of the 40 countries the IRC works in, providing lifesaving support to people in circumstances of often unimaginable hardship. Imagine if you or one of your friends or family were one of those people. It doesn't bear thinking about, right? 

What does bear thinking about is what you can do to help! One simple thing is to support me in my challenge and make a donation to help fund the IRC's crucial work. 

If you've known me for a while, chances are, you have sponsored me for a swimming event before. Sorry to be predictable, but, in terms of physical challenges, swimming is pretty much the only string to my bow. I promise, this time it's a different challenge! My first open water swim, and its in a deep, cold lake. Lake Windermere to be precise. So you will get to see photos of me looking like a seal in my wetsuit. 

Chances are, you have also heard one of my speeches about how vitally important humaitarian aid is, how much I love my job and how important it is to make a difference, even in a small way. So, if you want to stop hearing the broken record, all you have to do is dig deep and sponsor me :-) 

Because the IRC spends over 92p out of every pound on our projects in the field, you can be sure we will spend your money wisely and your gift will make a difference in someone's life at a time when they need it the most.  

Thanks so much for taking the time to support me in my challenge and most importantly to support the amazing work the IRC does every day across the globe, helping millions of the most vulnerable people.