The Lamlash Splash is an annual 1.3 mile sea swim from Holy Isle across Lamlash Bay (Firth of Clyde) to Lamlash Pier.

So it's my 2nd Lamlash Splash on Saturday 20th September and I aim to beat last years time - I've been trying to improve my speed and have been following the Ocean Walker Technique - lets see if it makes a difference!

Again this year I'm raising money for COAST (The Community of Arran Seabed Trust) as I mainly swim (and line fish) in the seas surrounding Arran and it only seems right to support the great work that COAST are doing.

I'm also raising money for Barnardo's - this impactful charity was brought to my attention since joining the Co-op team on Arran.

The Co-op has teamed up with Barnardo’s with the aim of supporting 1 million young people through the Co-op and Barnardo’s partnership.

Read all about their campaign here...

The events of recent of years have made 9 in 10 young people say ‘having enough money to cover basic needs’ is now an aspiration in life, over ‘achieving their dream job’ and ‘buying a house’*.

We think the next generation deserve a better future, so Co-op has teamed up with Barnardo’s to bring communities together to support 1 million young people.

Co-op colleagues are walking, running, cycling, swimming and climbing to raise £7m to fund work with young people to utilise social media to produce safe, reliable and shareable online support that can be accessed by any community.

We’re also delivering in-depth support through services in communities that need it most.

Thank you for supporting the Co-op and Barnardo’s partnership. Your donation will make a real difference to young people’s lives.

Find out more: coop.co.uk/SupportYoungPeople

* Youth Opportunities Tracker: Fairer Futures, Co-op & Barnardo’s, May 2023