In September 2019, I will attempt to swim the English Channel solo. I have been training for 2 years and this is a lifelong goal of mine, but it is no easy feat, and I don’t take the challenge lightly. I am using this challenge as an opportunity to support the incredible work of Place2Be (details below).

Facts

• Distance: around 40km
• Expected time: 13-15hrs
• Training for the past 12 months: circa 30-45kms swimming/week
• Other weird things: yes, I wear channel grease (zinc oxide & lanolin); no, I cannot wear a wetsuit; I re-feed every 35 mins (channel swimming requires a significant focus on nutrition); I cannot touch the boat or have human contact during the swim; and yes, I will have to take my passport because who knows what will happen with Brexit.

Why am I supporting Place2Be?

1 in 8 children today have a diagnosable mental health problem. 50% of people with lifetime mental health problems first experience symptoms by the age 14. Rates of depression and anxiety among teenagers have increased by 70% in the past 25 years. This is why Place2Be's work in schools throughout the UK is so important. 

I'm supporting mental health because it's a cause that means a lot to me. There is always another side to someone's story. Issues raised by children receiving Place2Be's services are wide-ranging and often complex, including bullying, family breakdown, dealing with anger or anxiety, bereavement, or domestic and family violence. The best we can do is not judge, provide an ear, and support others through raising funds and awareness to help get rid of the mental health stigma.