Lisa's Channel Relay Swim
Lisa Sharples is raising money for Nottingham Mencap
Story
The swim:
I tumbled in the sea as an infant, jumping waves with my Dad. Knocked over, terrified, swirling and choking in the grey-green water. I hear the roaring of the sea in my ears and feel the fear even today if I go under involuntarily.
This swim for me is about breaking down that barrier. Fear of putting my face in the water. It’s about conquering life long phobia and proving to myself I’m brave enough for the sea.
I didn’t really get back in the water until I became a Mum. Too terrified for the Mum and baby swim sessions, I watched through the glass as Steve took our little boy. I made it into the pool when our son was about 6 and about able to swim his first length. He taught me really. I managed to walk up and down the pool as he swam, then eventually had a go. My first length going into the deep end was just before lockdown in 2020.
I learned to swim in a lake during lockdown when the pools were closed. Always breaststroke with my head up so as not to get my face wet. I swam through the winter and eventually swam the length of Coniston water. Now I think I’m ready for the next step.
To do this challenge I need to learn to swim front crawl. From scratch. I need to be good enough to be an asset to the relay team and pass the qualifying tests along the way. I need to be fast enough to get across the channel to France before the tide makes it impossible.
The charity: Nottingham Mencap
I’ve been working with Nottingham Mencap since 2015.
We believe those living with learning Disabilities and Autism should have the same opportunities as others to live satisfying and valued lives and be treated with dignity and respect.
We provide lots of services and activities for the adults and children who rely on us. After years of patching the roof every time it rained heavily, we’ve now found a new home and we need to invest in the new building and expand our services to meet increasing need. The funds raised will be spent on supporting important healthy activities like gym and swim sessions, getting out and about, and developing our new facilities to support more people.
The Mencap Marvels:
I wouldn't be doing this challenge if it wasn't for the amazing coach Nikki Pope and the team of Mencap Marvels. Nikki supports at least one team/year to complete a channel relay with all funds raised going to Mencap. She very graciously agreed that I could focus any funds I raise to the local service here in Nottingham.
The relay involves a team of 4-6 people. Each person swims for an hour and then hands over to the next person and we keep going until we get to France!!
For more information:
https://www.nottinghammencap.org.uk/
https://www.englishchannelrelay.com/
The small print:
Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
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. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.