Before joining the RAF in 2009 I was a competitive Open Water Swimmer for several years. An injury I sustained through swimming meant that I was out of the water for two years prior to joining the RAF and had no intention of returning to swimming. After completing my training I was introduced to the RAF swimming association and invited to compete at the Inter Service Open Water Championships. In 2012 I was selected for the RAF team to compete in a 42 mile round Jersey relay race. The RAF team won this race setting a new world record and in the process was able to raise over £42,000 for charity. It was at this event that my passion for marathon swims was born. 

The following year I competed in a 15km swim in Manchester and a 26km swim in Zurich. Throughout all of my swims my aim was to complete a round Jersey solo swim. In 2015 I got my opportunity and completed the 42 mile swim setting a new world record for a solo swim and also beating the relay time I had set 3 years previous. 

Looking for my next big challenge I turned my attention to Lake Windermere and after some research found out that the most anybody had ever completed was 4 crossings. After considering my average swimming speed I estimated that it would be possible to complete 5 crossings in under 24 hours, in order to achieve this I would have to break the record for a 4-way crossing on my way to 5 crossings.

So this is the challenge I have set my self, in Sep 2019 I will be attempting to become the first person to complete a 5-way crossing (52.5 miles) of Lake Windermere and hold the record for 3, 4 and 5 way crossings at the same time.

In preparation of this marathon swim I will also be completing a 2 and 3 way Windermere (21 miles + 31.5 miles) in Aug in which I also hope to break the record for 1, 2 and 3 crossings.

Please take the time to visit the RAF benevolent fund website to see all the amazing work they do for RAF personnel and their families and how your donation can be put to good use.