Thank you for visiting my fundraising page.  You do have your Visa or Mastercard handy, don't you?  Just asking.  Of course there's still time to donate.  I'll wait while you look for your plastic.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Help for Heroes gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

Well, I did it!  I swam across Weymouth Harbour on Christmas morning wearing my son's desert combats.

Why did I swim in the combats?  Well, I asked the kids to bring down 'something ridiculous' for me to wear over my cozzie, since three-quarters of the swimmers were in fancy dress.  I thought they might bring a silly wig or a daft t-shirt.  Nope.  They brought the combats.  'It's appropriate gear for the charity,' they said.  Fair enough.

It was actually a lot of fun.  There were lots of others swimming across for other charities, or simply for the hell of it.  And there were lots of supporters and volunteer helpers too, taking time out from (or even with) their families on Christmas Day.

My son continues to recover well.  The fundraising swim was to say thanks, and to salute friends not so lucky and for whom life will be a great deal more difficult and challenging from now on.   'Help for Heroes' will be there providing them, and all those wounded in the line of duty, with practical help and support.  It would be an intrusion of others' privacy to give you examples known to myself of how much the charity helps young men and women, some only a year or two out of school, who have suffered horrific injuries while doing their duty in HM Forces.

A huge 'Thank you' to SL and the Sailing Ladies, D and the Wyke Carollers and staff at HMYOI Portland.  I will put you all back on my Christmas card list.

Thanks also to those of you listed below who have contributed.  One or two of you I don't know and can't reply to personally but be assured I do appreciate your contribution.  I am truly grateful that the target has been reached.  The need is ongoing, however, so if you'd like to contribute as you read this, please PLEASE do so.  I am still looking for further donations and I will acknowledge yours if I possibly can.

PS - If you've recently given up smoking, and you're wondering what to do with the money you're saving...