I’ve always been passionate about swimming and have taken on some big challenges in the past. But it’s been over ten years since I last did anything serious.

This time I wanted to push myself beyond what I’ve already achieved.

So I’ve set myself a brutal and almost unheard of challenge. To swim the full 10.5 mile length of Lake Windermere using butterfly stroke only.

Butterfly is one of the most physically demanding strokes in swimming. It’s relentless, unforgiving, and rarely used for distance. To take it on in open water over this kind of distance is something very few people have ever attempted, let alone completed. Big shout out to those who have though.

It’s a huge test of endurance, focus, and mental strength. It felt like the perfect opportunity to raise money for Northamptonshire Mind.

Let’s be honest. Most of us have either struggled with our own mental health or tried to support someone close to us who has. And that’s not easy. Sometimes you don’t know what to say. Sometimes being too close makes it even harder to help.

That’s why the work Northamptonshire Mind does is so important. They run crisis cafés across the county. Safe, calm spaces where people in crisis can talk to trained professionals. From there they can be signposted to services that support everything from addiction and anger management to relationship issues and emotional wellbeing.

We’ve all known someone who’s needed help. And in donating to this cause you’re almost guaranteed to help someone you know.

I only wish more people knew these services existed.

Please consider donating. Even a small amount can help someone find the support they need right at the moment they need it most.