In the first week of October 24, I’ll be taking part in a relay swim of the English Channel. Team name: Aquanimity

It all started in December with a random message on the school WhatsApp asking if anyone was interested joining a team to swim the channel. After doing a few triathlons, including a half Ironman distance in September 23, I was confident that I am no swimmer. Especially not a sea swimmer, of which when looking back, I don’t think I have ever swam in the sea realistically.

But it was a challenge. I don’t say no to sporting challenges.

So I joined a team of 6 in total, who were strangers, but now great friends.

Since then, I’ve trained a lot. Being coached as a team, had 1-2-1 coaching, lake swimming, lido swimming and now of course, lots of sea swimming. Last night, we swam at night in Hove at 10pm. Big waves in the dark was an experience but a great one, something that would have been out of my comfort zone 8 months ago.

Unfortunately, on the 4th May, as I was on the beach about to start my sea swim, I got the devastating call that I lost my step mum to Cancer. Gilly was the most positive, kindest and supporting person that I’ve met. Right until the end, she had a smile on her face and always wanted to hear what was going on in our lives. Gilly loved hearing all about the team and all of the training, wanting to be part of it. When doing constant laps in the pool, boringgggggg, lots of thoughts keep me going. Gilly’s positivity keeps me going, knowing that she would have given anything to have been on the finishing leg in France or waving us back in when we return to Dover.

Although I know this is a personal challenge, pushing myself with a lot of training, early morning sea swims and drinking far too much sea water, I’m very much aware there is a risk, especially the killer jelly fish 🫣

If you can support my swim by donating anything, every little bit helps, to Cancer research and help the fight that is unfortunately so common.

Sorry for all of the selfies but if you don’t take a picture and register it in Garmin then it doesn’t count 😃

Please follow our training on Instagram: Aquanimity2024

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