My serious swimming story began in 2010 when i retired. Although I could swim breaststroke I was afraid of the water. Living in Portobello I wanted to feel confident about swimming in the sea. I joined an Edinburgh leisure front crawl class and met similar minded swimmers. Swimming in Portobello swim centre, the Commonwealth pool and the sea have become part of my life. Not just the physical fitness aspect but the camaraderie of like minded people who have become good friends.

This challenge, on the 6th April, of swimming 40 lengths in each of the five Victorian pools and walking between them is a way of celebrating my 75th year as well as raising funds for something which is close to my heart.

Edinburgh Leisure is committed to creating opportunities for people in Edinburgh to keep active and well. Through our Active Communities programme, we use the power of physical activity and sport to support over 12,500 people each year to improve their health, wellbeing and quality of life. Supporting our Active Communities programme can help care experienced children to have an active childhood, enable people with long-term health conditions to enjoy a better quality of life, and help older adults to stay active and connected in later life.