About Me:

I’m a swim coach who was originally approached by Swim Tayka to help train the team for this incredible challenge — but somewhere along the way, I found myself diving in too! I love a good challenge, so when you combine swimming, adventure, and a great cause, how could I possibly not do it myself ?

Although I grew up in the UK far from the ocean, endurance events have always been part of my life — from my first Ironman back in the “noughties” to my more recent leap into marathon swimming.

Being pretty ‘wet behind the ears’ (pun intended) in ocean swimming, Catalina will be as much a mental journey as a physical one — my first official night swim, mentally prepping for the darkness, the cold and the unknown - all alongside an incredible relay team. The ocean is a whole different beast: powerful, unpredictable, and humbling.

It’s been years since I was part of a swim “team,” and I can’t wait to share the camaraderie, the challenge, and the cause with this inspiring group.

Thank you for making every one of my strokes help make a difference to these children’s lives.

About SwimTayka:

For millions of children globally, access to basic swimming skills is a luxury, not a given. This lack of access tragically leads to preventable drownings, particularly in communities near water. SwimTayka steps in to bridge this gap, empowering children with the skills and confidence they need to stay safe in and around water. They teach not just swimming, but also water safety, environmental awareness, and a love for the aquatic world.

Every child deserves the chance to learn to swim, to feel safe, and to explore the joy of water without fear.

Swim Tayka’s programmes not only help children gain confidence in the water but also inspire them to become future guardians of the environment. Every donation goes towards training local instructors, delivering swimming lessons, and supporting education projects around the world.

By backing Swim Tayka, you’re helping to turn the simple act of learning to swim into something far greater — a ripple of safety, confidence, and change.