I’ll be attempting a solo swim from England to France this August. But first, why Whittington health charity?

In 2022, my granddaughter, who was then 3 years old, had pneumonia and a month later, RSV. She was hospitalised three times with breathing difficulties and received life saving care. During repeated stays on the ward, she regained her strength using the outdoor play area, funded by Whittington health charity. My granddaughter even became a ‘poster girl’ for the paediatrics department and the charity. As her mother reflected, “my daughter loved the wonderful outdoor play area. It was so great to have access to fresh air."

The charity is focused on updating the children’s ward. They’re putting in floor-to-ceiling interactive artwork, updating the sensory room, installing virtual reality equipment to reduce stress during some medical procedures, and improving the overnight stay facilities for parents/carers, among other projects. These will help make the space even more welcoming and calm.

My granddaughter is 6 now, has since taken up swimming to strengthen her lungs, and is doing very well. Both she and her younger brother enjoy swimming and as their grandmother (their Nonna), I want to encourage them and all children that the sky’s the limit when it comes to overcoming adversity.

I’ve been preparing for my mega swim event - an English Channel solo swim - for a while now, though hardcore training started in October 2024. I’ve swum on 3 continents: North America, Australia and Europe; in several bodies of water including Long Island Sound (CT), the Atlantic Ocean (NY), the Indian Ocean (AUS), the North Sea (UK), and repurposed dockyards in London and the Love Open Water venues; and a bunch a pools including Orange Town Pool (CT), The Swimming Hole (VT), Fremantle Leisure Centre (AUS), London Fields Lido and Seven Islands Leisure Centre (UK), the London and Paris Olympic pools; and of course, with great friends, including coach Ally and the Orange US masters swim team; my trainer, Charlotte; qualifier organiser and American Queen of the Channel, Marcy; swim buddy, Heidi; and my husband, Chris.

Since the beginning of January I’ve swum over 550 miles. All in preparation to conquer the 21 miles between Dover 🇬🇧 and Cap Gris Nez 🇫🇷. It remains an epic journey.

I’ve set up this JustGiving fundraising page to encourage donations from family and friends to support a local London hospital to deliver compassionate care to those in their community. From my experience, community support and care make all the difference to your well being.

No amount is too small, as collectively, it all adds up! Whatever you can contribute matters, even if just sharing this page is all you can do.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. Happily you can donate in your own currency too.

Thank you for your support!