My sister and I are swimming the Solent to raise money for the MND Association a cause that is painfully close to my heart.

Last year, one of my best friends, Zoe Clarke, was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. Since then, I’ve watched someone I love lose pieces of herself in ways that are impossible to put into words. Everyday tasks most of us never think twice about holding a knife and fork, lifting a cup, using her hands have become constant battles.

Zoe is an incredible hairdresser. Her hands were her livelihood, but they were also how she connected with people. Hairdressing gave her creativity, purpose, confidence, and joy. It gave her conversation, laughter, and human connection. To see that taken from her so suddenly has been heartbreaking.

MND doesn’t just affect Zoe it affects her whole family. Her partner Kelly and daughter Ava, now need to help her with everyday jobs most people never imagine needing to do. Simple things that Zoe should be able to do independently now require help, and Ava has had to grow up far too quickly. Watching a child step into the role of carer for their own parent is devastating.

MND doesn’t just attack the body. It strips away independence, identity, and the life someone built with their own hands.

Swimming the Solent will be cold, exhausting, and mentally tough but it is nothing compared to what people living with MND, and their families, face every single day. We’re doing this to raise money, awareness, and hope. Hope for better care, research, and a future where children like Ava don’t have to watch their parents fade in front of them.

If you’re able to donate, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Every pound brings us closer to making a difference for Zoe, for Ava, and for everyone affected by MND.