On the 15th August I will attempt to become the first person ever to circumnavigate the Red Sand Towers (the Forts) - a grueling 16 mile open water swim from Whitstable out into the Thames Estuary.

In August 2024 I became the first person to swim back from the Forts. Now I am "doubling" the challenge.

Since a young boy I have looked out at the forts and been fascinated by their history and mystical appearance. They are an iconic structure, built in the early 1940’s to guard the skies above the Thames from the German Invasion.

The swim is brutal. But it's not just the swim. Navigating it is a huge challenge. To swim out to sea for 8 miles and not be "swept" past the forts will be a big ask. I will have to encounter strong tides, the windfarm, jelly fish and cold water immersion for 12 hours. I also want to highlight how we should be able to swim safely in our seas without the constant risk of sewage pollution. This needs to change.

I will be raising money for the UK charity ASPIRE which provides practical help to people who have been paralysed by Spinal Cord Injury. Every two hours someone in the UK is paralysed by a spinal cord injury. It can happen to anyone at any time, and no one is prepared for how it will change their life. Aspire is a national charity that provides practical help, supporting spinal cord injured people from injury to independence. As an Osteopath I am acutely aware of how devastating a spinal cord injury can be, and I would be delighted if you can help me to help them.

As well as being a national charity Aspire have become the leading charity in the UK in raising funds through open water swimming. They have worked closely with me on the challenge and will be providing much needed support.

Please support me and give generously to help all those who have sustained a spinal cord injury.