Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

My youngest daughter Issy and I are taking part on 30th August 2019 in the annual Victory Day inter-continental race across the 4.5km Dardanelles Strait in Turkey from Europe to Asia.  For two hours one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world is closed to allow around 450 swimmers to attempt to complete this iconic swim.  Steeped in the ancient mythology of Hero and Leander, the Hellespont was officially swum for the first time by the famous poet, Lord Byron, in 1810. 

We are raising funds for the Maggie's Centre in Glasgow.  For every £ we raise an incredibly generous benefactor has pledged to match it pound for pound up to £15,000.    

All of us at some point, and in different ways, will be touched by cancer.  Every year in the West of Scotland, over 6,500 people are diagnosed with cancer , facing tough questions, exhausting treatment and difficult emotions. These challenges affect not only those with cancer, but their family and friends, too.

Maggie’s is there for anyone and everyone affected by cancer, offering a programme of support that has been shown to strengthen physical and emotional wellbeing. 

Maggie’s Glasgow - which I was recently privileged to visit - is built alongside the NHS Beatson Cancer Hospital.  The Centre is an uplifting place with professional staff on hand to offer the support people need: practical advice about benefits and eating well; emotional support from qualified experts; a friendly place to meet other people; a calming space simply to sit quietly with a cup of tea.

Last year Maggie’s Glasgow received over 18,000 visits from people newly affected by cancer and those living with cancer, their family and friends; among their visitors 99% found the support they offer helpful.
The world of cancer is changing, with advances in medicine and earlier diagnosis, the chances of surviving cancer long term are double what they were 40 years ago. With more people surviving longer after a cancer diagnosis, this also means that many more people are living with the long-term effects of treatment, as well as the physical and psychological consequences of treatment.   That’s why Maggie’s is needed today more than ever. 

It costs £2,400 a day to keep the doors of Maggie's Glasgow open and the programme running.  In a typical day over 150 people will walk through it's doors for support.  The Centre is funded by the generosity of individual donors, companies and trust and foundations.  I hope you will feel able to add your help to this worthy cause.