Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I DID IT!!!!!!!! Swam 1/2 Mile in the River Thames!!!!!!!  I truly appreciate all those who donated and/or were supportive in their encouraging words which was tremendously helpful in this campaign to raise funds for Cancer Research UK. Alongside my Coach, Nina Cron, whose stellar training and confidence building approach sustained me during the mostly upstream swim course. As tough as it was, knowing that my efforts were all going towards Cancer Research UK for their continued improvements of recovery results from cancer, made it worthwhile.

My Auntie, Bettye Faye Anderson, in whose honor I am swimming, died of breast cancer in 1970, at the age of 38. She was my 1st vocal teacher and a treasured member of our family. She was also a soloist for the Chicago Symohony Orchestra and a featured vocalist during the 1960's USA Civil Rights movement. Though her joyful spirit stays with her loved ones, we miss her physical being, continually. I'm composing a musical in her memory, as she was one of my Unsung Champions.

Whilst Cancer has impacted heavily on the lives of other family members and friends, the developments from Cancer Research has extended the quality of life for many. One in particular is my Stepfather, Bobby Byrd, who died of throat cancer in 2007. He lived over 10 years after he was first diagnosed, which is but one example of the strides being made by Cancer Research. My Stepfather, who was a childhood friend and co-band member with the famous singer, James Brown, lived a full life, to the age of 73, and benefitted much from the advancements made from Cancer Research.

Although I originally thought my first open water swim at Lake Windermere in 2012 would be a one off, my swim coach, Martin Allen, of Tri-SportsUK, whose father also died from cancer, encouraged me to persevere beyond the adversities of training, venturing outside my comfort zone, without walls to aim for or being able to touch, and/or see, the ground's floor! 🏊 😊

Swimming in open water is a serious discipline, but I think of those who have the trials of coping with cancer, and my efforts to support the research for further cures, raising funds by pulling through the undercurrents of Father Thames, seems at least worth the try.

This page will still be accepting donations until the 24th November 2014. For your amusement are photos in the gallery of my training escapades and the day of the event itself!😊

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