As of April 2025 I have been working at Age UK Richmond for 10 years! I feel so passionate about our charity and can see with my own eyes what a difference we make in our community. This is why, together with some colleagues, I am taking part in a wild swimming challenge to raise funds and awareness for Age UK Richmond's 60th anniversary.

I aim to swim 1 km around Shepperton Lake. Lake swimming is fun and exciting but definitely harder than swimming laps in a pool. For one thing the water is very, very cold. And for another, once you swim out there is no rest - your feet can't touch the bottom of the lake so you just have to keep going!

Speaking of milestones, in 2025 Age UK Richmond turns 60. Age UK Richmond supports older people with information and advice, help with benefits and recovering from a stay in hospital, teaches free IT lessons, leads a dementia awareness programme and runs a huge range of social activities and exercise classes to keep local older people fit, busy, connected and happy.

Any sponsorship large or small would be gratefully received. The funds raised will fuel our programmes and help our clients to love later life.