In 2026 I’m taking on a series of swimming challenges to raise money for the Level Water charity, which provides 1-to-1 swimming lessons for children with disabilities.

• In April I swam one mile every hour for 24 hours at the ‘Swim the Night’ event at Guildford Lido.

• In July I’ll be accompanying my niece on one of the UK’s most iconic open-water swims — 10km in the River Dart.

I’m also exploring additional endurance swim challenges later in the year if I can make the logistics work.

Back in the 1970s I worked as a lifeguard and over the years have helped save a number of people from drowning. A couple of years ago I requalified to keep up to date with modern lifesaving techniques.

What swimming has taught me is how enjoyable and liberating water can be - but also how dangerous it is for those who never get the chance to learn properly.

Level Water supports inclusive swimming lessons across the country, including in Lambeth. Please give a few pounds if you can and help them provide life-changing swimming lessons for children with disabilities.

Thank you.