On the 17th and 18th of September, my Dad, my two brothers and I will be taking on the challenge of swimming 15km around the Isles of Scilly over two days, all in memory of my best friend, Emma.

Swimming has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, so being able to do this in memory of Emma means more to me than I can put into words. She used to come and watch some of my races at university, and I can still hear her shouting my name and cheering me on from poolside. It's a memory I know I'll carry with me throughout every part of this swim.

As we approach a year since the last time I got to see Em in hospital, all of the emotions that have been there throughout this past year are still very real. Getting further away from the last time I got to see her smile makes things even harder. Events like this give me something to focus on, while also giving me a way to keep Emma's memory alive and remind myself and others of the incredible person she was.

One of my favourite memories of Em was from the last full day we spent together in June 2025, at the annual Wally Olympics that my brother puts on with his friends, where I get to invite a few friends along too. Of course, Em and I were on the same team, she was Argentina and I was Japan! One of the events was a swimming pool noodle race. We did in fact take it very seriously, and watching us attempt to make it to the finish line must have been hilarious. A well deserve Aperol and the end as well. We laughed so much that day. The best duo, obviously.

Since running the London Landmarks Half Marathon for Emma in April, we have also both officially graduated from NTU with First-Class degrees. The university awarded Emma her degree on the day, which was such a special moment. I always knew she would have absolutely smashed it.

Having my Dad and brothers alongside me makes this challenge even more special. Swimming has been such a big part of our lives growing up, so being able to take on 15km together, in Emma’s memory, means the world to me. I’m so grateful to have them beside me every stroke of the way.

Thank you so much in advance for donating whatever you are able to. Every donation means the world to me and will make a real difference.

For Em, always.

Love,

Jaz x