Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. I didn't know I would be part of this team until a couple of days ago! So please read this bit of background as to why I feel it will be worthy spending this coming weekend on a sailing boat, interspersed with hour-long swims in The English Channel!

3 years ago, Paul Harris founded a charity in Hastings called 'Charity for Kids'. More information on this wonderful charity can be found here: http://charityforkids.co.uk/about/  The upshot is, I've been asked to help raise money for this great cause by being part of a 6-man team for the swimming leg of this super tough challenge. 

As many of my friends will know, I lost my dad Tom Bolam way too young at the age of 51. Even though I've been lucky enough to out-survive him, I do have naturally occurring high cholesterol and need to keep cardiovascularly and physically fit in order to keep safe. Having lost my swimming between the ages of 22 and 39 I gained a lot of weight. 

Rediscovering my love of swimming, especially open water sea swimming, has changed my life, brought me wonderful friendships and generally broadened my horizons so much for the better. Through my swimming I can now give something back. Having endured a tough couple 18 months of real heartache, you will also know why I can think of no better cause than helping children. Swimming has saved my life - literally - now I can use swimming to change others'. 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.