My own journey towards swimming the Channel relay has been more than a little turbulent. A few years ago I was in a drastically different position both physically and mentally. The possibility of living a 'normal' life again seemed painfully out of reach, let alone living a fulfilled one in which I was able to take on a challenge of this magnitude.

Swimming has played a huge part in my recovery. I fell back in love with the sport after lockdown and gradually found myself aiming to become stronger, rather than smaller. I began to appreciate my body for what it could do and not for how it looked. I craved the freedom and peace the water gave me... Fast forward a couple of years and I am in a place I could never have imagined, having found a swimming community in which I feel a firm sense of belonging.

In July 2025, I'll be part of a relay team of 6 who are swimming the English Channel for Aspire.

Aspire are a fantastic charity offering support to people paralysed by spinal cord injury - injuries which have a massive impact on day-to-day living. Aspire provide advice, support and practical aids to assist individuals back to independence.

Everybody deserves to have their independence. Swimming helped me to regain mine. I hope this swim can do the same for others.