For my forthcoming Swimathon 2020 I will be swimming for my very good friend Elizabeth Davies who is undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy for a brain tumour. The initial tumour, the size of a satsuma (unpeeled), was removed on the 1st of November. By the 7th of November she was not only out of hospital but even surprised everyone by attending the funeral of our mutual friend Heather French. 

Given the prognosis just over 10 days later, that the results showed it to be a rather virulent and aggressive malignant tumour that grows very fast, and in the words of the oncologist “The statistics of survival with this type of cancer if the treatment works is 2 years.” Elizabeth replied “Each case is a case. I'm sure I'm going to be a one off... 15/30 years more.“

I’ll be swimming in celebration of this fighting spirit, this life-force,  great courage and indomitable spirit. 

I will also be thinking of my friend’s niece, Ailish, (a mother of 4 children under 6, and now a newborn baby), who is also undergoing chemotherapy for a breast tumour, immediately after giving caesarean birth to her baby. 

In both situations my thoughts are of course with the individuals but also their families. 

Stu :)

On the 27th - 29th March, over 21,000 swimmers will be heading down to over 600 pools across the UK to raise money for our two amazing charity partners.

Cancer Research UK, the world’s leading cancer charity is dedicated to saving lives through funding research to help prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. Cancer Research UK are the only charity fighting over 200 cancer types but don't receive any government funding for their work, so their progress is all thanks to the support of people like you.

Marie Curie provides expert care, guidance and support for people living with any terminal illness, and their families. Around 2,100 Marie Curie Nurses work day and night, in people’s homes all over the UK, providing hands-on care to people when they need it most.

Together we can really make a difference. We invite our swimmers to tell their story to help spread awareness and raise vital funds for these two incredible causes.