I'm going to be 70 this year, which feels like a milestone. I wanted to do something special to mark this and to raise money for a good cause close to my heart. I've chosen to support Cancer Research because this illness impacts so many people globally, and has affected a number of my closest family members and friends.

Brought up by the sea, I've always loved swimming. Over the last year, since moving to Brighton, I've joined a wonderful sea-swimming community that has welcomed me with open arms. Several times a week we find ourselves on the beach looking out at sea towards the Rampion wind farm. And when I was contemplating a challenge to raise money for charity, one of the crew suggested we swim from the wind farm to the shore. So that's what we're going to do!

We're doing our 'Big Swim' on Sunday 20 August 2023. It's a distance of 16km and we'll be swimming in pairs as part of a relay. We've got a fantastic team of family members and friends, old and new:

Abi Gilbert

Amber Priestley

Ben Holliss

Emma Cohen

Frances Holliss

Helen Taggart

Kati Hall

Katy Whelan (reserve)

Liz Holliss

Martin Holliss (reserve)

Rosie Baker

Sophie McKean (reserve)

Steph McCabe

Tara

Tom Holliss

None of us are professional swimmers and we take on this challenge with some trepidation and much excitement, supported by Nikki from Salty Events.

We're aiming to raise £5,000 for this fantastic cause. We realise it's a hard time for everyone, but we would be so grateful for any contributions, no matter how small.

Thank you so much!

Frances (and the 'Big Swim' team)