Keeping Your Stories Alive

Lindi Mitchell is raising money for Lady Talk Matters
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Solo English Channel · 22 August 2023

Lady Talk Matters is a global charity that aims to improve lives by normalising menstrual health and reproductive matters. This is achieved through education, awareness, inspiration, and support. Young women and all those who menstruate are not always adequately informed about matters relating to their menstual and reproductive health, specifically the need for screenings such as cervical smears and information about menstrual conditions such as endometriosis. There is a global need for improved menstrual health education, removing the taboo around discussing women’s reproductive functions, and improving access to period products. One of the main focus areas of Lady Talk Matters is providing education on menstrual and reproductive health to young pupilis in a fun an interactive way. The syllabus is aligned with global curriculums and presented in a straightforward and factual manner. The taboo around menstruation begins at this early age when boys and girls are separated during Life Orientation or sex education classes at school. It reinforces the impression that women’s reproductive health matters are shameful and secretive. By providing education to both boys and girls, this taboo can be removed to allow for open conversation. Together with this education, Lady Talk Matters works to ensure that basic period products are provided to women and girls in need. They skill, train and employ ladies to manufacture re-usable period pads. For just £5 or the equivalent in your

Story

A strange concept - someone instrumental in your life that wont get to meet someone else close to you in your life now. A child who wont ever know a grandparent, a partner who wont ever know your sibling. It is however through you, that you keep their story alive.

Two people extremely close to me lost a sister and a mother to cervical and sarcoma/breast cancer respectively. They are keeping those memories alive every day and by doing that, and talking about it, raising much needed awareness. I have been inspired by not only their bravery but the memory of these two incredible ladies who were so dear to them. The stories, the laughs, the good times and their fight.

Whilst stuck in South Africa during COVID, where the swimming started, I met Andrea, whilst we were about to swim at Cape Point. Andrea, herself, is a cervical cancer survivor and wanted to make a difference, setting up her own charity. Lady Talk Matters focuses on encouraging people around the globe to talk openly about female menstrual health matters in the UK and helping to eradicate period poverty in South Africa.

Two years ago, I signed up to swim the English Channel ... I didnt know why. I do now. To keep your stories alive, whilst raising money for an incredible cause and creating awareness.

Send me your names and favourite memories....each time the training, the cold or the channel itself is getting too hard, I will know why I am doing it ...to keep your memories alive. And for you to know that your special person, continues to make a difference. Their legacy continues through your actions.

(As an aside, the founder of LTM, Andrea, is an absolute inspiration to me having known her for a few years - be sure to check out her story! And ladies... schedule your reminders!)

The challenge:

A 34km swim from England to France swum without a wetsuit, in water averaging around 16 degrees. You may not stop or touch the boat.... 12-16 hours in one go. I have been training for almost 2 years already ... and the training is becoming real. My qualifier is done, my medical in April.

Donation summary

Total
£10,524.91
Online
£10,524.91
Offline
£0.00

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