I'm Diving with Sharks to Change a Child's Life

On Saturday 14th November, I'll be taking part in Children Today's Charity Shark Dive, stepping out of my comfort zone and into the water with sharks to raise vital funds for children and young people with disabilities.

Every child deserves the freedom to move, play, communicate and experience the world around them. Yet for many families, the specialist equipment that could transform their child's life remains heartbreakingly out of reach due to cost.

Children Today supports disabled children and young people up to the age of 25 by providing life-changing equipment such as wheelchairs, power packs, adapted trikes and off-road buggies. These aren't luxuries. They are essential tools that help children gain independence, build confidence, access education, take part in family life and enjoy the same opportunities that many of us take for granted.

The reality is that families with a disabled child face enormous financial pressures. Research shows that disabled households need an average of £1,095 extra every month just to achieve the same standard of living as non-disabled households. With rising living costs, many parents are left facing impossible choices, knowing exactly what their child needs but unable to afford it.

That's why I'm taking on this challenge.

Every pound donated will go directly towards providing specialist equipment for children and young people who need it most. Your support won't just buy equipment. It will help a child experience freedom, independence, inclusion and joy. It will help them access their community, make friends, develop confidence and create memories with their families.

Many of you have followed my journey over the years, from serving in the Royal Navy, nursing children and young people, campaigning for social justice, and serving our community as a councillor and Mayor. Throughout it all, I've always believed that if we have the opportunity to make a difference, we should take it.

This shark dive is certainly one of the more unusual chapters of my life, but the cause behind it couldn't be more important.

For the children supported by Children Today, the right wheelchair, adapted trike or specialist piece of equipment is so much more than a practical aid. It is the chance to join in with friends, to explore the world, to discover independence, to build confidence and, most importantly, to simply be a child.

So, welcome to the next chapter of "What Katie Did Next".

I'm asking for your help to make this chapter one that truly changes lives.

I'll only be swimming with sharks for a few hours. The children and families supported by Children Today face challenges every single day. If this challenge helps even one child gain the freedom to move more easily, play more fully, or experience opportunities they might otherwise miss, then every moment in that tank will be worth it.

Please donate if you can and help me write the next chapter of "What Katie Did Next". Together, we can give a child greater freedom, confidence and independence, and provide a family with hope when they need it most.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your kindness, generosity and support. It really will make a difference. 🦈❤️