Level Water is a charity that helps give children with disabilities the opportunity to learn to swim. From physical development to social and emotional confidence, swimming is a vehicle to change their lives for the better. To make this happen and create long lasting impact, we know it can’t be done in isolation

Swimming should be for everyone - so grateful for your help in supporting their work.

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I thought I would update on my progress since January 1st when I started my preparation (I wouldn't dignify my activities as 'training') and what I have learned so far - in no particular order!

1) Proper swimmers - those that glide effortlessly through the water at twice the speed as the rest of us (regardless of physique/age/gender) - apparently call us 'non-swimmers' Aquapotomuses. I rather like this and have embraced the term.

2) If you use the swim cap your son had 10 years ago - it will repeatedly fall off - this will if nothing else confirm your status as a Aquapotomus - buy a new one.

3) If you look hard enough its possible to get a pair of swim goggles that doesn't leave you looking like a panda bear after 10 lengths - but persist (and different ones suit different faces). Don't tighten them too much.

4) Holy Moly the chafing from wetsuit collar is grim and you don't notice until you get out of the water. Literally blood - I have bought a collar thing which goes under the wetsuit round the neck (which I will be wearing to the Rocky Horror Show tonight - yes its like that) which has solved the problem.

5) You see some extraordinary sights in the pool - why the bra drifting along the bottom? is a sort of fractal wiggle dance movement of the hand after the catch what we are supposed to be doing? what is the purpose of flippers and swimming sideways? etc etc. I am sure my fellow swimmers are wondering what a large Aquapotomus is doing in their lane in a voluminous swimming costume and no hat...... but okay.

6) To help get your elbow UP and in line rather than flailing outwards repeatedly bash your hand on the lane rope (more blood) - its cured that particular problem to be fair.

7) It is possible to swim through cramp (even if you have to pause and release it) - I know this I swam 6 km this morning 3 of them with cramp.

8) A baggy old swimsuit retards your progress - knocked 8 seconds off my 100m pace by wearing something a little less like a parachute for no extra effort - brilliant!.

And finally - you have all been VERY generous - and the money raised is fantastic and I would like to raise a bit more - most grateful for your help.

I am working very hard - and will do another update with the fuller joys of the Open Water training (err preparation) that will follow in the next few months.

Thank you all N