I call myself a surfer as I've been surfing on and off for the past 25 years, however, in May 2017, I started sea swimming. I have now swum through four winters and am entering my fifth.  And in case you were wondering, no, it doesn't get easier, you just know what to expect and what to wear before and after to limit the pain!

On March 16th 2020, I began sea swimming every day. I didn’t set out to do it for any particular length of time but it became a part of my daily routine, my way of coping through unsettling times. February 2021 was particularly challenging as I lost my grandma and aunt within the space of two days. This meant I relocated to Yorkshire to be with my mum and found myself swimming in a local reservoir, in sub five degree water, every day for a month. I swam through snow blizzards, gale force winds and had to break the ice to get in the water on one particular day. It was brutal but it helped numb the pain of overwhelming grief. On March 15th 2021, somehow I had completed 365 days without a break and in just my cossie (and swimming hat).

Of course, I was looking forward to the challenge ending as I was pretty tired and still in the early stages of grief. I needed time to adjust, process, rest... It soon became apparent though, that the only way I could adjust and process my emotions, was in the ocean. I was calm and things were clearer in there, so I carried on swimming. Every day. Now, although I'd said it was a one year challenge, many knew regardless of what I said (and truly believed), there was a high probability, it would turn into a two year challenge. And they were right as I fast approached March 15th 2022, my two year final goal (yes really!).

Year Two saw more reservoir swimming (although mostly in the summer this time), quite a few night swims due to working away and not getting back until way after last light, plus some (non-Covid-19) health issues. Having the unconditional support of my mum and a core group of swim buddies, the Goggles On! crew, without doubt helped me get through the second year and beyond! I swam 800 times within those 730 days.  

And so here we are, almost at Day 1000! I can hardly believe it.  Although I’ve said this before, this really will be the end as I am finally having a hysterectomy. I have been carrying around an ever growing fibroid for over 2 years now, which means my iron levels have been incredibly low and most of my clothes don’t fasten! It’s now time for ‘Freda the Fibroid’ to leave so I can start to feel fully well again and in my 2 month recovery period I shall start planning my next challenge! 

In October, I raised money for Surfers Against Sewage in their Dip a Day challenge. I also finally got Covid which meant 8 days solo swimming in the harbour, in the dark; the hardest 8 days of the 1000 by far. Being so close to my end goal and also committed to raising money for SAS, it was important to me to keep swimming through. 

I am opening my JustGiving pages for those who have not yet had the opportunity to donate. Both pages will be open until the end of December. So far we have raised £3178 for Alzheimer’s Society. 

🔹Why Alzheimer's Society?

Grandma had Alzheimer’s and, although she died of Covid-19 (aged 95), this disease was not going to go away. She was a strong, capable lady and I am proud to say we have always had an incredibly close bond. I have too many memories to mention but many involved swimming, from her taking me for my weekly swimming lesson when I was small, to me teaching her to swim when I was a teenager. Treasured times. She was excited and proud that I was nearing the end of the 365 days of sea swimming (when she died) and I know she would have been overwhelmed by the support everyone showed. It's now incredibly important for me to complete this extended challenge, in her memory. 

Alzheimer’s Society is transforming the landscape of dementia forever.Until the day we find a cure, we will create a society where those affected by dementia are supported and accepted, able to live in their community without fear or prejudice. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you in advance, for your incredible support.