Firstly, a huge thank you to everyone who has supported my family and I following the diagnosis and death of my father last year to Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Thanks to everyone's efforts we were able to raise £12,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) by the time I reached Everest Base Camp. With the continuing efforts of my family, this year we have managed to raise a further £2,000....sooooo I thought it was about time I threw myself back into the deep end.....literally!!!!
On the 21st July '14, I am taking part in the Ian Pratt MND Challenge: Swimming the Solent! For those who do not know, the Solent is the stretch of sea between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight, approximately 3.5 miles. I am training very hard (as I sink like a brick!), but passed my fitness test one week ago, completing 200x 25 meter lengths in the pool. I am now moving onto open sea training (as well as diversifying my judo into shark wrestling!).
Motor Neurone  Disease is a cruel and wicked disease that continues to wreak havoc on the life's of not only the sufferers but also their family and friends. Everyone has already been so generous to our charity campaign, but every penny counts and really does make a difference to a terminal condition that receives no government funding. 
Whilst I will be swimming in memory of my father, Stephen Lannie, who passed away almost 1 year ago, I will be swimming in honor of Ian Pratt, a true MND warrior.