On Thursday 8^th September 2011 I plan to swim from Gosport (England) to Ryde (Isle Of Wight). The four mile (7k) crossing is a strait called The Solent, a major shipping route known for its complex tidal patterns and cold choppy waters. Eeeeek!

The mother boat, kayaks and festival tickets have all been financed by ourselves and Bestival, so ALL the sponsor money will go to my chosen charity; Water Aid.

Please dig deep, reach for that plastic card and splash out on clean water for the world’s poorest people. 

‘Wateraid enables the world's poorest people to gain access to safe water and sanitation. Together with improved hygiene, these basic human rights underpin health, education and livelihoods, forming the first essential step in overcoming poverty.’

Enough about those 844 million people, here’s some more about me and my story...

I’ve wanted to Swim To Bestival for a couple of years, so had sent several witty, charming, lengthy emails (and grovelling ones too) pleading my case. All of which seem to have been lost in the ether. A final phone call confirmed there was no chance, arrangements for the 12 swimmers had been in place for almost a year. At best they could put me on the 2012 waiting list.

Resigned to the fact it was a no go, I finally got THE CALL inviting me AND a friend. In my mid afternoon daze it actually took a bit of convincing, ‘Four miles? Bit far. When do I have to decide by? EOB, but its 4.30 now... erm... well I don’t care if Goldie is doing it too, (even though I’ve been buying his CDs since I was at school and even read his autobiography). He’s only doing it if he can wear Pink Speedos? Sign me up, brother!

If only I’d been training for this over the past year instead of going for a monthly 500m dip and steam room session - my biggest regret now that I have to play catch up. Big time.

Well aware that my best front crawl looks like a banana cycling I have some serious training to do. And then some major partying at Bestival. If I wear my wetsuit, penis heels and a lobster hat I can dress up as Lady Ga Ga, right?!

Talking of partying, did you know Britons spent around £19bn on beer alone in 2010 (and whilst I’m partial to half a pint of Moonshine), this figure could fund the worldwide water crisis for 15-20 years. I haven’t even touched on Wine, Spirits or fizzy dwinks, hic! Bottled water sets us back £2bn a year. Puts things into perspective, huh?

Please help by Just Giving Water Aid some of your money. I could start by giving them the ferry fare I've saved. ;-)

Thanks. x x x

 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.