My mother lost her battle with cancer on 3rd February 2014. I'm
fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support in her memory, by swimming two miles in Loch Lomond on Saturday 27th August.

Back in August 2014, I hiked up Ben Nevis at midnight in order to raise money for Macmillan. People told me I was mad then - the tallest peak in the UK, with no training, at night? Well, now I'm back to do something madder.

I've never done open swimming before. At the time of writing, I can just about swim 1.2 miles in a heated swimming pool. Nae bother. But any money I raise for Macmillan will be worth it.

My mother died young and suddenly. And whilst I'm sad I didn't get to know her more - there are some questions I'll never now know the answer to - at least I got 21 years with her. She raised me, taught me how to be strong, told me I could be anything I wanted to be. Not a day goes by that I don't think about her - but gladly, it's usually with a smile.

Macmillan provides many services that so many cancer patients and their families rely on. They provide a lifeline for so many. We were certainly grateful for the Macmillan coffee lounge at the hospital where my mum lived her last few weeks. Even just a few pounds will make a difference - I appreciate all donations, be it a little or a large amount, and thank you for those who do.

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