In May last year my Dad very suddenly died after a short illness, and since then our lives have been forever turned upside down. He was the best person I know - kind, generous, calm and fair. We all miss him every single moment of every day.

A day after my 12th birthday, Dad and I swam the half mile at the Great North Swim. Now, 12 years later for my 24th birthday it feels fitting to honour his memory doing something he taught me at an event we took part in together. So, on the 12th June I will be returning to Lake Windermere, this time swimming 5km, over six times the distance we swam all those years ago. This is much further than I've ever swum continuously, especially in open water, so this is going to be a truly tough challenge.

Dad had an unwavering belief in social justice and spent his working life, as both a defence solicitor and social worker, supporting people facing some of life's greatest challenges. As a family, we want this legacy of compassion and integrity to live on.

All money raised will be going to Maggs, a local charity supporting people experiencing homelessness. This is a charity that Dad really respected, championing a cause that he really believed in. Please give what you can, share the message, help us continue Dads work and make him proud.