I am swimming the length of Windermere (18km) from Fell Foot to Waterhead next September to raise money for Level Water, a charity that provides swimming lessons to children with disabilities across the UK.

I have been a swimmer all my life. I have taken part in competitions in the pool and more recently in open water. I am aware of how lucky I am to have been able to do this, with respect to both the lessons and coaching I have been able to access. I understand that this is not the case for everyone and, in taking on my biggest challenge to date, I hope to be able to raise both money and awareness to help Level Water deliver swimming lessons to the next generation of children with disabilities.

This is a challenge that I will not take lightly. I will need to train hard, both in the pool and open water. I will need to develop both stamina and tolerance to cold water (Winderemere will be 15 degrees which is colder than the sea in Hampshire). I know I will sometimes struggle but with your help and backing, I know I will reach the finish line. Please do support me in this, my longest swim so far, by sponsoring me and sharing my page with your friends.

This is what Level Water have to say:

The first splash. The holding your breath. The echoes of laughter. The wet hair. The lifted spirits. The joy of gliding through water. The smile that lasts all day.

Swimming is like nothing else. The skills you develop, the confidence you build and the joys you feel are all universal. Yet access to swimming in the UK is not.

At Level Water, we use the power of swimming to improve lives for children with disabilities.

Everyone should have the opportunity to learn to swim and fall in love with the water.