This summer term I will be swimming the length of Gaza (25 miles/41km) in my local lake, without a wetsuit, to raise money for the charity Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP).

For fun I swim once a week, if the weather's nice (about 2km a month). To swim 41km in less than three months, I will need to double the distance I swim each time and swim 3 or 4 times a week, at weekends and in evenings after school, no matter what the weather. My deadline is the 20th July.

This is a huge challenge for a head above water, breaststroke swimmer! I'd be so grateful for any support you can give.

The situation in Gaza is desperate. All the money raised will help MAP:

○ deliver emergency aid - medical supplies, shelter materials and food.

○ support major hospitals (16 of 36 are partially functioning, the others have been destroyed by Israel) to restore life-saving and specialised medical treatment.

○ provide emergency nutrition to support children and pregnant women.

○ provide specialised mental health support for those who have lost loved ones, experienced terrible violence, had their homes destroyed and patients with symptoms of severe distress.

Gaza has been blockaded for 16 years, has been described by many as the biggest open air prison in the world as well as being one of the most densely populated areas.

The people of Gaza are facing the worst situation in its history with daily bombardment and a complete siege. MAP need your help to raise critical funds to help save lives in Gaza.