Monday 8th December 2014

So.... this will be my last update, for this challenge anyway.

I finally completed the 22 mile channel swim in my pool, (1416 lengths) on Wednesday 26th November 2014.

I had thought on the Monday that the 78 lengths I had swum were enough to help me reach finalising but to my horror I had not yet completed, AAAAaaaahhhhhh....... there were 28 more lengths to do.

Already struggling with my energy, it was a hard blow. Wednesday came and hormones were raging, fibro was winning and I could have just given up but despite this I did as I normally do in these situations and stopped thinking, shut down the chattering monkey and put one foot in front of the other. I took myself along to the pool after a long day of putting everything before myself and swam those 28 lengths.    Victory! 

I couldn't believe it, I had actually finished. Although I never doubted that I would complete the challenge, it did surprise me how much courage and strength it took to carry on each time. We forget when all is well and spirits are high that actually among the day to day activities and the planned events there are the inevitable unforseen circumstances that also need addressing. All together they eat into the Me Time we try to find. That so needed recharge we all crave.

I am amazed at the support I have received from the people around me. £25.00 is all I set out to raise however today looking at the total raised £174.00 makes me a proud woman. MASSIVE THANK YOU EVERYONE!

One final thought I would like to leave you with.... Us able bodies with fully functioning limbs should be aware of how fortunate we are.  Complain if you dare but spare a thouht for those whom are less fortunate, whom live with day to day assistance,  whom look for hope from every corner to keep their troubles away.  They may, in amoung their day to day activities, have a grumble but to see the courage they have is inspiring! I hope each and everyone of you will think next time, think if you can make a difference to someone's life, spare some time, share some smiles and know that you are making the biggest difference.

From me for now Bye Bye. xxx

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Monday 20th October 2014

Wow! I had a moment! 100 lengths in 50 minutes today. Sometimes it's effortless and today was one of those times.

So far I have swum 1002 lengths, that's 15.6 miles. Just another 414 lengths to go! Job done!

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Thursday 16th October 2014

Just come back from the pool after completing another 50 Lengths, just like on Monday's swim. I've been taking it easy and doing as much as my body will allow. Much as I'd like to do more, it's just not happening.

Speaking with many people about my own difficulties with Fibromyalgia has brought to light the issues that others I know have with their own health.  It makes me wonder "How is it that people I've known for so long have never mentioned their issues before."  Are we really becoming a nation that no longer feels secure in showing our weaknesses or are we just pushing our difficulties aside and focusing on the more positive things in our life?  That then brings me to question, " Is it that those around us will think less of us if we have a weakness?"  Whatever it is I guess it will have to reveal itself in time. 

To be super human, capable of multitasking work, family, fitness, education, whatever else it is we choose, is not a bad thing if it is with truth within ourselves that we live that life. However it's not a requirement that we push ourselves endlessly, endeavouring to become part of the mould that society subconsciously leads us to be.

I'd like to think that, in life, we do the best we can to be better individuals not only for ourselves but for those we love and care for, remembering that with all that we do, we are in some way or form influencing those around us.  We have a responsibility to each other and should be mindful of how our actions affect those around us.

I say be happy, be sad, mad, frustrated, angry, excited, wild and even stupid but most of all be true to yourself and each other.  You are never less of a person for having a weakness. You are just like most of us and showing it is a sign of truth and inner strength. X

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Friday 10th October 2014

After a short break I'm back again! Yesterday's swim was 70 lengths in 35 minutes. Fantastic considering the state of my body. The encouragement came from another generous donation made by a special family whom hold a place close to my heart. Thanks Laura, Genaro, Marjorie the girls and Tessa. I'm swimming again tonight with Chau. I'll update again tomorrow. 80 more lengths down, that's 12.5 miles. Yippeee.....

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Friday 3rd October 2014

10.1 miles / 652 lengths down. 11.9 miles / 764 Lengths to go.  It's looking good and I've still got till the 1st December 2014 to complete. 

Yesterday I was given a much needed boost in the way of Karen, Cary, Maya and Danny's donation.  Thank you so much.  I had decided to take 10 days off due to the fatigue but somehow, yesterday gave me courage to take it at a slower pace and do a little at a time. So thanks Karen, I managed 60 lengths in 40 minutes. Your generosity made a big difference!

I have to say I feel less like a fish in the water, like I did in the beginning, and more like a Hippo but hey, some days are going to be that way.     Ha ha ha........

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Wednesday 24th September 2004

It's a rollercoaster ride, this swim challenge. One minute feeling great, the next struggling to get going. I have been so washed out for the past couple of days. Yesterday I thought, "power nap, do me the world of good"  3 hours later I had to crawl out of bed. All part of the fibro crap. Mind is willing but body is reluctant.

Massive thanks to a very special young woman, Chau, whom I've known for many years now and consider close enough to call my sister.  Her generosity touched me. She's an inspiration, how against all adversity, has become a successful business woman and whom loves and cherishes her 2 children with her life.  I beam with pride knowing people like her.

On Monday 22nd September I managed a swim of 60 lengths in 40mins. I will drag myself to the pool again at some point today. I love to swim and believe in the cause I am supporting so onwards and upwards I go! Update: 100 more lengths.

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Friday 19th September 2014

I feel good today, managed 100 lengths in 55 mins. No aches like yesterday! Hope they don't creep up in me tomorrow!

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Thursday 18th September 2014

Hi everyone and no one at the same time.  Today I'm being given a wake up call by my body. My mind is so willing and knowing how much I've managed to do in the past teases my sense of adventure into saying "You can do it, no problem!" Ha, I've been tricked again! It's always easy at the start, I should know that. However reality has struck! I will have difficulties getting to the final goal but that's not going to  deter me. I managed a good swim again today, 48 lengths in 30 minutes. Can't complain you might say, but my body is complaining! I tell myself " One foot in front of the other, your nearly there."

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Wednesday 17th September 2014

Yey! Swam 58 lengths today in 35 minutes. How did that happen I ask myself? Wonder if I can manage that again? Well, I'm sure as hell gonna try!

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Tuesday 16th September 2014

Thank you for taking the time to visit my page.

Today's swim 30 lengths in 25 mins. 

Over the next 10 weeks I will be setting myself the challenge of swimming more lengths than I've dared to swim since I was....., well we won't go there!

Something in me says that this might be one step too far. I question if I can achieve 1416 lengths in 10 weeks without triggering the Fibromyalgia I have been battling with for a couple of years now. However, that said, the realization that I too may need some help at some time in my life due to my condition, makes me want to do more for others.

So please, even if it is not in the form of money that you help, try in some way to do the little things in life for people that make the biggest difference.

Every eight hours someone is paralised by Spinal Cord Injury. It can happen to anyone at any time, and there is currently no cure. Every pound that I raise means that Aspire can provide practical help to a spinal injured person, allowing them to live a more independent life, so please, if you  do make a donation, however small, remember you can help make a difference.