Spending time in nature and being outdoors has been important to me throughout my life. But for many Disabled people living in large urban environments, having the confidence and money to access the countryside can be incredibly difficult.

Last year, at One Place East—the Disabled People’s Organisation where I work—we organised our very first overnight trip. We stayed local and camped with borrowed and begged equipment, and had a truly wonderful time in Lee Green.

This year, we’re feeling more confident and excited to go a little further and stay a little longer. We’ll be camping near Winchester for three nights, with plans for adventure activities and time together around the campfire.

For many people coming on the trip, the true cost of a holiday like this is simply out of reach. We also need additional equipment to make sure everyone has a warm, comfortable bed to sleep in under canvas—because everyone deserves that basic comfort.

To help raise the money we need, I’ve set myself a big personal challenge:

Over the next 12 weeks, from July 13th until October 12th I will swim the distance to France and back—in my local pool. That's a whopping 2704 lengths!

This is no small feat. Exercise hasn’t been easy for me in recent years, and my deteriorating health made me worry I might lose my own access to the outdoors. But this year, something changed. I’ve turned a corner, and I feel determined—both to support my own wellbeing, and to raise funds so that others can experience the joy, peace, and connection that time in nature brings.

Every penny raised will go directly to buying the equipment we need to make this trip safe, inclusive, and lots of fun!

If you can, please support me in this challenge—by donating, sharing, or cheering me on.

Thank you so much.