On 19 July 2026, I’ll be swimming the Bantham Boomerang in South Devon, an epic open-water challenge where the tide carries you upstream from the beach and then sweeps you back again.

I’m doing it for Level Water, a charity that gives one-to-one swimming lessons to children with disabilities. Every £15 raised gives a child the chance to learn to swim, to feel safe in the water, and to experience the joy and freedom that swimming can bring.

I know how life-changing that can be. Growing up in South Africa, my mum would take my brother and I to the local outdoor pool (see the photo in the gallery above) after school. We were lucky, we had a legendary coach, Gordon Cummings, who taught us well. I still remember the pride of winning a gold medal for backstroke at 9 years old. That little medal meant more than just a race – it gave me confidence, taught me discipline, and showed me what I could achieve.

But I also know that for many children, especially those with disabilities, swimming can feel out of reach. Without the right support, they miss out on the skills, the safety, and the sheer joy that being in the water can bring.

Water takes away the effect of gravity and can be a completely liberating experience for children who struggle day to day out of the water.

That’s why I’m swimming the Bantham Boomerang – not just for the challenge, but to give more children the chance to have the same confidence and happiness I found in the water all those years ago.

Please donate if you can. Together, we can help more children feel safe, free, and proud of what they can do.

The swim

The Bantham Boomerang starts on Bantham Beach, follows the incoming tide up the stunning Aune Estuary, then turns so the outgoing tide sweeps you back to the start. Most swimmers cover between 5 km and 10 km, depending on how far they go before turning. I'm aiming to go the full distance.

Why it matters

Your support will help Level Water give life-changing swimming lessons to children with disabilities across the UK. For many, it’s the first step to safety, confidence, and freedom in the water.

What your support gives

Every £15 raised funds one lesson

Your donation helps reach children who might otherwise never learn to swim

Last year’s Bantham events raised enough for over 16,000 lessons!

How you can help

Donate whatever you can – every bit counts

Share this page with friends, family, and on social media to spread the word

Thank you

When I’m out there swimming the Boomerang, I’ll know your support is helping a child take their first strokes towards independence and joy in the water.