🏊‍♂️ Swimming 36km in 7 Days for Suicide&Co

From 7th to 13th September, I’m attempting to swim 36km in 7 days for Suicide&Co, a brilliant charity supporting those bereaved by suicide. That’s 2,880 lengths of my local pool!

I’d be hugely grateful for your support 🙏

💬 Why Suicide&Co?

Suicide&Co provides counselling and resources for people who’ve lost loved ones to suicide. They also work to break the stigma around suicide and mental health by encouraging open, honest conversations.

This is especially relevant to my profession. A Law Society survey found that nearly 60% of lawyers have experienced symptoms of depression or anxiety — compared to just over 10% in other professions. A study by the American Bar Association revealed that 11% of legal professionals have experienced suicidal thoughts.

I’ve seen the impact of this firsthand. In my twenties, my childhood neighbour and family friend — a partner in a criminal law firm and the person who gave me my first legal work experience — took his own life, leaving behind his wife and daughter. More recently, the tragic death of Vanessa Ford, a corporate partner at Pinsent Masons, brought this issue into sharp focus for many in the legal world.

While suicide in the profession remains relatively rare (35 deaths across 2023–24, according to the ONS), the pressures of the job — long hours, stress, and constant competition — can take a serious toll.

🏊‍♂️ Why This Challenge?

Each year, an estimated 36,000 people are directly bereaved by suicide. To honour them, I’ll be swimming 36km over seven days — that’s:

- 🏊‍♂️ 2,880 lengths

- ⏱️ Around 2.5 hours of swimming per day

To put it in further perspective:

- the width of the English Channel is 34km at its narrowest point — I’ll be swimming further (thankfully without jellyfish or sharks other than the two in the picture gallery… though I may have to dodge spa-goers, octogenarians, and canoodling couples!).

- Michael Phelps swam 13km a day and consumed 10,000 calories when training for the Olympics. At 5.15km a day, I reckon I will have earned 4,000 calories daily — or 1.6 litres of Häagen-Dazs vanilla ice cream 🍦

Why It Matters

I’ve struggled with my own mental health and intrusive thoughts in the past. I know how vital it is to look after your mental wellbeing — and how essential professional support can be after a traumatic loss.

This challenge is tough. But it’s nothing compared to what those grieving a loved one to suicide go through. That’s why I’m doing this — and why I’d be so grateful for your support 💪

👉 Please Sponsor Me

I’m aiming to raise at least £1,000 to help Suicide&Co continue their life-changing work. Every donation helps fund counselling sessions and support for those who need it most.

If you’ve read this far — thank you. If you can donate — thank you even more 🙌

Let’s swim towards a future where no one feels alone in their grief.

👉 Please sponsor me and share this page. Your support means everything.