Sometime between 4th and 11th August, (weather permitting) I will be standing on a beach just outside Dover, wearing my swimming trunks, hat and goggles. I’ll walk into the water, start swimming and I won’t stop until I reach France – some 33 km away! If it all goes well, I’ll be there in 14 hours.

It’s taken about 2 years to prepare for this adventure, which has inevitably involved a lot of swimming (470 Km in 2026 alone). During that time, I’ve often been cold, hungry and tired, BUT I have always known that this was my choice, that I was following my dream and these discomforts would soon be over.

Sadly, there are many people for whom such situations are not temporary and who are not given the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Thankfully, there are organisations in my home city who do amazing work to help those who are currently less fortunate than myself, and I’m proud to do a little bit to help raise money for The Big Difference and the Society of St James.

If you are able, it would be wonderful if you could offer them some help, so that they can continue to support some of the vulnerable people in Southampton and help them and their families achieve their full potential.

SSJ Academy, is part of the Society of St James, whose purpose is to prevent, relieve, and end homelessness and the associated issues that can so often come with it.

The Academy is a key, life-changing part of a, supporting people as they move towards recovery, independence, confidence, and improved wellbeing. Through meaningful activities, education, sport, and volunteering opportunities, the Academy helps people rebuild their lives and create a more positive future.