Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. I really appreciate your support. I am taking part in The Great London Swim to raise money for Seafarers UK, a leading maritime charity in the UK, that supports seafarers in need, across the Merchant Navy, Fishing Fleets, Royal Navy and Royal Marines, together with their families.

The sea is a dangerous and demanding working environment. For some, it will take their lives, others will suffer hardship and ill health. Seafarers UK provides grants to other maritime welfare charities that support people who often have to deal with homelessness, poverty, bereavement, mental health problems, serious injury, disability, debt, emotional crisis, loneliness or depression. Often their work goes unseen and is not recognised by the wider public. However, with over 90% of all UK trade being transported by sea, we are very much dependent on seafarers for providing food on our plates and supplying us with basic necessities as well exotic luxuries from all over the word.

Here are just a few basic facts:

• 95% of UK imports (by volume) are carried by ship
• 75% of our exports (by volume) are shipped from UK ports
• Almost half the food we eat in the UK is imported, 95% of which comes by sea
• Sea-borne liquefied natural gas (LNG) meets 35% of the UK's energy requirement
• 24,100 UK Merchant Navy officers and ratings are currently active at sea
• The UK maritime sector supports: 733,800 jobs, across ports, shipping and business services, 35,430 serving Royal Navy (inc. 7,500 Royal Marines) personnel, excluding reserves and 12,700 UK-registered commercial fishermen.

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.

So next time you are in the supermarket doing your weekly shopping, please think SEAFARERS and dig deep to donate now. Thank you.