I am swimming the full length of Loch Lomond in August 2018 without a wet suit for charity. I wanted a charity that will keep me focused, determined and hopefully spur me on 'not to stop' when I am struggling. I will just think of my dad, the FFC my own personal goal and BOOM I'll be off!
My dad was a Fire officer for nearly 30 yrs. He saved numerous lives by putting his life at risk. I wanted to raise money to support mental health issues, PTSD, physical disabilities, emotional issues, bereavement, counselling for families, respite & a rehabilitation service and this fantastic charity covers all of the above and so much more.
My dad taught me loads of wonderful things including how to swim. He absolutely LOVED swimming in lakes and in the sea and most of our BRILLIANT family holidays were in the Lake District and the Lochs in Scotland. I only started swimming in open water events 2 years after he died but the ironic thing was that he tragically died in Sep 2011 while swimming in the sea, on holiday with his best friend Ronnie Howarth who was also an X fire fighter. They were in Turkey in the sun. No pain, no heart attack, no stroke and he didn't drown It was just his time to go. His light was turned off in an instant. It was TRAGIC for all concerned and we were all deeply shocked at and it left us bereft for a very long time, but what a wonderful way for him to go. He deserved to go this way.
I know my dad swims along side of me in spirit every time I swim and I know he will be with me every stroke when I swim Loch Lomond because he always said "I'd love to swim Lomond". I am so determined and focused and I WILL do it. To every fire fighter out there especially my dad, you are all HEROES. I love you dearly dad. Xxx
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