I am swimming 15k as part of the swimathon in september to raise money for three charities and in memory of a family friend - Terry Chandler, and other family members who couldn’t see a way through. . 

The swimathon charity partner is cancer research for which i have many friends and family impacted by the effects of cancer. However i also wanted to swim for two other charities that are important to me. all links are below please donate to whichever cause you feel most aligned to. 

A month ago a family friend, Terry Chandler,  took his own life and his family have set up a just giving in his memory and to ensure our mental health provisions can keep offering support to those that need it. Coming from a family of men, and having lost uncles to the effects of mental illness and addictions it’s important to me that we encourage more positive open conversations between the people in our lives to let them know there is always help out there. 

Here are some words from Terry’s family.

“Our dear son Tel's life was far too short but the time he had he lived to the full. He made many friends on his journey and we have heard personal testimonies of how he touched many people's lives along the way.

We as a family have been so humbled by the heartfelt tributes that have poured in about him, even people we have never met have taken  the time to contact us.

Tel was handsome, clever, funny and gifted in so many ways, people could not help but love him. One friend wrote that 'he was magnetic' and he was.

But sadly, as those of you who were close to him knew, underneath all that showmanship, that natural way he had to make you laugh or to entertain you with his singing, Terry found everyday life a constant struggle.

After many years of seeking help and trying to beat his demons he finally found peace”

I will be swimming 5k each day over three days and hope to raise as much money for these charities as possible. 

Terry’s charity of choice is Mind so please donate here for that 

I am also swimming for CALM - Campaign against living miserably. please donate here https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ruth-hawkins10?utm_source=Sharethis&utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=ruth-hawkins10&utm_campaign=pfp-email&utm_term=c877395825034ef79201a36a274ca93d.

The official swimathon sponsor partner is Cancer research so feel free to donate to them if you’d prefer. https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ruth-hawkins12?utm_source=Sharethis&utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=ruth-hawkins12&utm_campaign=pfp-email&utm_term=1c3209dedcfd4bc1b9a480cf64a88154.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.