I am going to be donning my speedos this summer in an attempt to swim across the busiest shipping lane in the world - The English Channel. Fighting jellyfish, fatigue, hypothermia and floating debris along the way. As part of a relay team of six, we will swim an hour each, in rotation, until we (hopefully!) reach France.

Swimming the channel is one of the toughest challenges a swimmer can face, so of course I had to say yes when asked if I wanted to join the team. I will be upping my training and braving many chilly sea swims, without a wetsuit, in the run up to the big day, somewhere between the 10th and 17th of July (if the weather is kind) this year. 

While taking on this massive challenge I am raising money for Aspire, a charity that makes a real difference to the lives of people who have been paralysed through spinal cord injuries. Spinal injuries are life changing and Aspire exists to give people the practical and mental support they need while still in hospital, and their independence and their lives back once they come out. The work they do is invaluable, and any money you are able to spare will be more than gratefully received. 

Watch this video to find out what Aspire’s work really means to people suffering from a spinal cord injury... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48SJOU6foW8#action=share

And find out more about their work here...  https://www.aspire.org.uk/Blogs/living-with-sci

Thank you so much for your help. Every four hours someone is paralysed by a spinal cord injury. Your money will help them move from injury to independence. 

I am truly excited about taking on this crazy challenge for such an amazingly worthwhile cause! 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. 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.