On Saturday 5th September I will be attempting to swim the length of Englands largest Lake, Lake Windermere. It measures 11 miles (18 km).

I have completed Lake Coniston and Lake Ullswater in previous years (5.25 miles and 7.5miles respectively). I felt the need to attempt to tick off the triple crown by completing Windermere.

Back in October last year David, a friend and also keen swimmer lost his fight to cancer. In the weeks leading up to this sad event I was able to visit him at The Pricilla Bacon Hospice in Norwich. (David pictured in my gallery sitting alongside Lake Windermere, a place he really enjoyed).

I was amazed at what Pricilla Bacon did for him and his family and the compassionate end of life care they provide. I was somewhat taken aback by the staff whom many of which are volunteers. It therefore made sense to try and raise some money along the way for this vital cause to support others who may face this extremely difficult time.

Since the months have past, 4 other swimming members have signed up and will be challenging themselves also. Whilst we won’t swim together at least we will hopefully meet at the end and be successful together.

Training is coming to a peak now and it’s been a mixed bag given I work in Iraq on rotation but I’m fortunate enough to have access to a pool there. I have mixed lake swimming when at home with endless length of the pool in Iraq.

If you can spare anything, however small it will all help towards supporting people affected by life limiting illnesses and bereavement across Norfolk.

Here’s hoping Windermere is not as cold as Ullswater! 🥶

***Tip*** if you are kind enough to donate just be careful and scroll fully down the payment page as ‘just giving’ automatically add a payment to themselves, you can easily remove this before final payment but it is easy to miss it.

Thanks again for your support

Ray