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In the week commencing 8 September 2020, on the day chosen by my pilot Fred Mardle, I will be greasing myself up, packing my passport and attempting to swim 21 miles across the busiest shipping channel in the world, from England to France and complete an officiated swim with the Channel Swimming Association in aid of The British Horse Society.  

Actually, it's closer to 28 miles with the tides, and in case you are interested, i'm only allowed to wear a normal swimming costume, one swim cap, and a pair of goggles. At some point I will be swimming through the night in the dark, the salty water will be a cold (circa 15 degrees) and with the temperatures of our seas rising there are likely to be quite a few rogue jellyfish floating around on route. That and anything else you randomly bump into in the dark in the English Channel. It could take anything between 7 and 28 hours (yes that's non stop swimming, having feeds off a fishing line or pole and net as you're not allowed to touch the boat), and it won't be completed until I find french ground, if I have anything left in my legs, scramble rocks or shore and stand clear of the water.

More people have conquered Everest. 

The training for this has and continues to be long and grueling. During winter while you were perhaps in an office with a warm coffee, or wrapped up warm working outside, I was  kicking my heels off to run through wind and rain on my lunch break and swimming miles, over silent hours in the late evenings. Early 2020 I was at 80% fitness levels, then Covid-19 hit. Since then I have been monitoring the situation daily and in case the swim proceeded, maintaining my fitness in some very diverse ways in my living room and cold paddling pools! 

Please sponsor me to support The British Horse Society. Read further to find out why or just donate now if you like!

I have been a horse rider since the age of 7, a member of The British Horse Society for 21 years and proud to have worked for the charity for 14 years. I am Senior Executive of the fantastic Access & Rights of Way team, who work to ensure equestrians have safe places to ride and carriage drive off road wherever they live throughout the UK, crucially saving lives and ensuring people have places to enjoy their horses, ride their bicycles and walk or use mobility vehicles. 

Coronavirus is the biggest national crisis we are all facing. The lockdown has threatened the existence of our riding centres and the incredible horses that live in them. With little income, and many thousands of horses to feed and care for, centres are facing a worrying future without your help. It can cost up to £40 per week to care for just one horse so please donate what you can.

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.