At 33, I’m taking on the challenge of a lifetime – one that means more to me than anything I’ve ever done.

Fifty years ago, my dad, David Wilkie, won Olympic gold in a world-record time of 2:15.11. Two years ago, I lost him to cancer.

To honour him and give the next generation of athletes their chance, I’m attempting to swim that same time.

I’m not an elite athlete. I didn’t grow up chasing records. In fact, as a child, I was afraid of deep water.

This is a year-long journey of grief, grit, and determination – retracing my father’s footsteps, and trying to understand the legacy he left behind, while pushing my body to its limits.

But this isn’t just about me.

I’m aiming to raise £215,000 for SportsAid – the very charity that supported my dad in 1976 as its first-ever award recipient.

Because right now, across the UK, there are young athletes who love their sport and show real promise – but are forced to stop.

Not because they aren’t good enough. But because they can’t afford to keep going.

For some, it’s the cost of travel. For others, coaching or equipment. And too often, that’s where the journey ends.

Your donation can change that.

It can keep a young athlete in the pool, on the track, or in the game – at the exact moment they might otherwise have to walk away.

It can give them the same chance my dad had.

A chance to keep going. A chance to realise their potential. A chance to do something extraordinary.

This challenge is my way of honouring him. But it can also be a way to change thousands of futures.

If you can, please support – and help make sure that talent and passion, not circumstance, decide what’s possible.

You can follow the full journey at InMyFathersLane.com