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The Normandy Beach Swim:

During the month of June I will be taking on a 47k Swimming Challenge to raise funds for Blind Veterans UK and mark Armed Forces Month.

Why I’m doing this challenge…

…To be part of Armed Forces Month

The month of June has many significant dates for Blind Veterans UK and the veterans they support. The first of these is D-Day – 6th June. The distance of my swim is equal to the lengths of all 5 Normandy beaches involved in the D-Day landings.

The beaches are Utah at 5k, Omaha at 7k, with Gold, Juno and Sword at 11.5k EACH, a total of 47k! That’s basically 1600m (1 mile!) a day every day for the 30 days of June. Don’t worry about not seeing me during June – my challenge is virtual. I will be swimming at my local pool!

…For my Dad

In February of this year my 96-year-old Dad passed away after a short illness. Dad was my hero, he served in the Royal Artillery in 1947 stationed in Palestine and later Libya and for 9 years Blind Veterans UK were so helpful to him when his sight failed. He enjoyed the contact of his support worker and the time he spent at the facility in Brighton. To be able to raise money for Blind Veterans UK so they can help others would be a way to honor them and Dad. 47(k) is also a number that is synonymous with Dad as 4th of 7th is his birthday.

Every morning before work I plan to swim 1000m (1k) and after work another 1k. Starting with the 3 x 11.5 k's first. In Week 1 - Gold Beach, Week 2 Juno Beach, Week 3 Sword Beach, 22nd - 26th Oct - Omaha @7k, then the final 4 days of June will be Utah Beach @ 5K.

Whilst I regularly swim between 1 & 2k this is going to be tough mentally, prepping with military precision the night before with pool and work clothes, packing a cool bag with breakfast and lunch and get up at the crack of dawn to swim before work then after work.

How you can support my challenge:

My hope is to raise £470 or more so that Blind Veterans UK can help more veterans like my dad. You can help by;

1. Making a donation: Whatever amount you can give will make a difference. £6 could purchase ‘Bump-ons’ to help make ordinary household equipment accessible. £10 could purchase a liquid level indicator to help a veteran make a drink safely. £30 could cover the cost of a white cane. £250 could cover the cost of a home visit from a trained rehabilitation officer.

2. Share my story by sharing this Just Giving page on your social media channels.

3. If you’re able, why not get involved with Blind Veterans UK’s Armed Forces Month. Visit their website to find out more. www.blindveterans.org.uk/afm

Thanks for taking the time to visit my page and thank you for your donation!