In summer 2020 I hope to fulfil a lifetime dream and swim across the English Channel. I will be swimming as part of a 6person relay team. This is something I have always said I wanted to do but after an accident at a swimming pool 25 years ago left me with a spinal injury I thought my dream could never come true.
I had surgery but unfortunately I was still left with chronic pain and severe mobility problems that over the years took its toll on my physical and mental health. I lost my Independence and gave up on life. I was fortunate to receive support from family and friends and with their help I have managed to rebuild my physical and mental health.  

3years ago I was introduced to open water swimming and my life has been  completely transformed since. The cold water  reduces my chronic pain allowing me to lead the life I want to lead again and this meaning I am also mentally in a much better place.

This is still going to be a huge challenge for myself. Until this summer the furthest I had ever swam was 1mile but I did push myself and manage a bit further (5km) swim but that was in a calm resoviour. Slightly different from swimming in a very busy, choppy shipping lane.

Just for the record I am also scared of fish,  jellyfish, seaweed oh and not to mention sharks but apparently there are not many so hey nothing to worry about...🦈🐟 and yes the weather will be magical..I am part of a nearly all  Scottish boat so we can cope with the water temp ( even in June)  possibly as low as 14 degrees..😎🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧🏊‍♀️🏊‍♀️🏊‍♀️🏊‍♀️🏊‍♂️🏊‍♀️🇫🇷 😱😱😱
I am very determined and no matter what I will not give in but I understand I need to really work hard between now and June to enable this dream to come true. 

I am raising money for a charity called Aspire, which works with people with spinal cord injuries, to help them from injury back to independence. Through its projects and programmes, Aspire offers practical support to the 50,000 people living with a spinal cord injury in the UK. This support allows people with spinal injury to lead fulfilled and independent lives in their homes, with their families, in their workplace and in leisure time. You can find out more about the work that Aspire do here: https://www.aspire.org.uk/our-purpose

Please no matter how big or how small your donation will really make a difference and if you can't donate please don't feel embarrassed I know not everyone has any spare money please still wish me 

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