Story
Breaking barriers, stroke by stroke
Three months ago, I couldn’t swim 25 metres.
On 28 March, I’m getting in the pool to swim as far as possible.
Not just for me but for Young Carers.
Growing up, I heard the stereotype: people like ‘me’ can’t swim.
For a long time, I stayed in that lane. Until a recent comment from a stranger made me realise how much I’d let that thinking limit me.
So I changed it.
Over the last 90 days, I’ve taught myself to swim; watching strangers, asking questions, watching Youtube tutorials and showing up consistently. I’m still a beginner. Still learning. But I’m doing it anyway.
Why? Because this challenge is bigger than me.
With my job working within social work and having a friend that grew up in care I’ve heard the reality young carers face.
Children as young as 6, taking on responsibilities most adults would struggle with. Looking after family members, often putting their own childhood on hold. They don’t get to opt out. They don’t get to pause when it’s hard. They keep going.
That’s why I’m supporting this fantastic community event organised by the Rotary Club and I am raising money for Young Carers YC2. An organisation that gives children and young people tailored support based on individual needs. Support that helps them with what most people take for granted, support that break barriers, overcome challenges and limiting beliefs and support that allows them to be children and young people.
The Challenge
Swim as many lengths as possible in 1 hour. The aim - 1100meters
The Goal
Turn every length into real support for Young Carers.
How your donation helps
Examples of how your generosity can make a difference to a young carer
£10 – Activities for a child who can’t easily leave home
£25 – A chance to socialise and just be a kid
£50 – One-to-one support for mental wellbeing
£100 – A much-needed day of respite
If you can, please donate as little or as much as you can and help me turn this swim into something that genuinely changes lives.
Thank you so much for your generosity and encouragement.
Together, we can make waves of difference! 💦