Sometime between 4th and 11th August, (weather permitting) I will be standing on a beach just outside Dover, wearing my swimming trunks, hat and goggles. I’ll walk into the water, start swimming and I won’t stop until I reach France – some 33 km away! If it all goes well, I’ll be there in 14 hours.

It’s taken about 2 years to prepare for this adventure, which has inevitably involved a lot of swimming (470km in 2026 alone). During that time, I’ve often been cold, hungry and tired, BUT I have always known that this was my choice, that I was following my dream and these discomforts would soon be over.

Sadly, there are many people for whom such situations are not temporary and who are not given the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Thankfully, there are organisations in my home city who do amazing work to help those who are currently less fortunate than myself, and I’m proud to do a little bit to help raise money for The Big Difference and the Society of St James.

If you are able, it would be wonderful if you could offer them some help, so that they can continue to support some of the vulnerable people in Southampton and help them and their families achieve their full potential.

The Society of St James purpose is to prevent, relieve, and end homelessness and the associated issues that can so often come with it. The SSJ Academy is a key, life-changing part of a, supporting people as they move towards recovery, independence, confidence, and improved wellbeing. Through meaningful activities, education, sport, and volunteering opportunities, the Academy helps people rebuild their lives and create a more positive future.

The Big Difference aims to alleviate hunger by redistributing surplus food to those in need, while being environmentally sustainable. It provides social supermarkets and food pantries getting affordable, healthy food to communities across Southampton.

Each month, up to 70 tonnes of food is saved from going into landfill, helping up to 10,000 people each week; a remarkable convergence of supporting those in need and making a difference to our environment.

Please note - the Just Giving system requires you to choose one charity at a time when you donate. Both are amazing charities so if you have time and are minded, please do this twice and help both causes.

Finally- if you are really interested in staying in touch with me and the crew, join this Group Chat in the run up to departure and during the swim the crew will give updates and photos etc and may even be able to pass on any messages. The chat will be quiet until then

https://chat.whatsapp.com/LnnWzrVX87I7Gg7Iz1uHgE?mode=gi_t