I've been lucky that I've been able to glibly ignore cancer most of my life so far. Cancer has always been something that happened to other people...

 However this year cancer has affected those I love in so many ways. It completely sucks. So I've decided to try to raise some money for the amazing Royal Marsden Hospital, because - amongst others - they have supported those I love, in so many practical ways. 

The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity raises money solely to support The Royal Marsden, a world-leading cancer centre. We ensure our nurses, doctors and research teams can provide the very best care and develop life-saving treatments, which are used across the UK and around the world. From funding state-of-the-art equipment and groundbreaking research, to creating the very best patient environments, we will never stop looking for ways to improve the lives of people affected by cancer.

Even though I've swum further in my life, I haven't swum this far for a few years. I'm very nervous and dreading it. I'm pretty slow these days and the swim will take me between 4 and 5 hours. I'd be so grateful if you could sponsor me anything at all, so that I can make some practical gesture of support for the Marsden, who in turn give so much support to patients who are suffering with cancer, and their families. 

Thank you so much.