We're incredibly grateful for the generosity of people supporting my fundraising for Mencap over the last few years, so as a thank you we'll be holding a prize draw for a one-week stay at New Stickle Cottage in the Lake District (subject to booking availability). Everyone who supports me this year or supported me last year last will automatically be entered into the draw.

https://www.newsticklecottage.com/

MY SWIMS THIS YEAR AND MENCAP

This year I'll be taking on four of the world's most iconic open water swimming challenges in support of Mencap.

Thanks to the incredible support of everyone who donated last year, we were able to fund a swimming programme for children under five with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). I was lucky enough to visit the programme and see first-hand how popular it was. It was inspiring to watch the children enjoying the sessions, building confidence in the water, developing important life skills and, most importantly, having fun.

Seeing the difference your donations made really brought home the impact that fundraising can have. It was an easy decision to support Mencap again this year and take on these challenges to help raise more funds for this fantastic charity.

ENGLISH CHANNEL "2-WAY" RELAY (WITH BEECH HALL)

Having completed a number of relay swims with Beech Hall over the last few years, we decided we needed a new challenge! This year we'll swim the English Channel twice—crossing from England to France and then all the way back again. The challenge is likely to take around 24 hours, and we'll need to maintain a strong pace to beat the changing tides and currents.

NORTH CHANNEL SOLO - COMPLETED 24.8.26 12 hours 24.

The North Channel stretches between Northern Ireland and Scotland. The water is even colder than the English Channel, with strong tides, unpredictable weather and, almost inevitably, multiple Lion's Mane jellyfish stings along the way!

20 BRIDGES SOLO – MANHATTAN ISLAND

This 48.5 km (28.5 mile) swim circles the entire island of Manhattan, passing under 20 bridges and taking in some of New York City's most famous landmarks. I completed this as part of a relay a few years ago, so I'm really looking forward to returning to New York. The swim is incredible… and I'm a big fan of New York's burgers!

CATALINA CHANNEL SOLO

After completing my solo English Channel swim and, hopefully, the 20 Bridges Swim around Manhattan, I'll be taking on the Catalina Channel as the final swim needed to complete the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming.

The Catalina Channel stretches 32 km (20 miles) from Catalina Island to the California mainland. I'll set off around midnight, meaning I'll spend most of the crossing swimming through darkness, guided only by the support boat.