In the second week of June (date TBA and depending on weather) I will be swimming from Flat Holm Island, deep in the Bristol Channel, to Barry.

The swim is 15km and should take 4 to 5 hours. Throughout, I'll be supported by a boat. The swim is a challenge - traversing shipping lanes, navigating tides and currents, and dealing with choppy conditions

My dear friend Jan - who inspired me to raise money for Faceup Cymru - can explain the impact of head and neck cancer and how the charity can help.

Head and neck cancer can take many forms. The various cancers and their associated treatments can affect speech, hearing, eating, and drinking. This also impacts social interaction and affects wellbeing for patients and those who love and support them. Patients may be left with a range of debilitating conditions requiring lifelong access to equipment and other forms of support.

I am just recovering from surgery to treat a second head and neck cancer. Treatment and surgery for the first cancer caused chronic pain, hearing loss, and affected mobility in my right arm. Surgery for the second cancer affected mobility in my left arm, caused additional chronic pain, has limited my ability to eat and drink, and has left me unable to speak. My friends and family have also been impacted by my condition. It has been life changing for us all.

Access to equipment, support, and social interaction have been crucial to my survival, my recovery, and my wellbeing throughout both cancer experiences. FaceUp Cymru offers a range of support services to patients and others impacted by head and neck cancer, and who can benefit greatly from support in the form of equipment and wellbeing support.

Thank you for supporting this charity. Your contribution will make a tremendous impact for those in need of equipment and support.

Dr Jan Huyton