If you're reading this then you know I'm jumping in Salford Quays on 26th September (blue, green and toxic algae permitting) to raise money for WDCS. The question is why ...

The story starts with listening to 106.1 Rock Radio one morning last year. There was an interview with Jai and Timo from Ultimate Holding Company talking about the extInked project - an exhibition of drawings of 100 endangered species in the British Isles which they hoped to tattoo onto 100 volunteers (http://www.uhc.org.uk/portfolio.php?tag=32&project=54).

It sounded like a cool idea so we went along to take a look and before I know it I'm filling in an application form. There were so many people at the exhibition that I never really expected anything to come of it so it came as a bit of a shock when I got an e-mail telling me my application for the bottlenose dolphin had been successful. I was about to get my first ever tattoo ! You can find all the pictures (including my dolphin, in the middle 7 rows up from the bottom) at http://uhc.org.uk/portfolio.php?tag=35andada&project=99.

I suppose one obvious question is why the bottlenose dolphin. It was a combination of things really. I've become more aware of  marine conservation issues since I started scuba diving last year but the main reason is that bottlenose dolphins are just simply lovely creatures, graceful, elegant, intelligent and they seem to have a great sense of fun.

Since having the tattoo I've been learning more about bottlenose dolphins and the threats to them in this country. There are two resident populations of bottlenose dolphins in UK waters – one centred on Cardigan Bay, Wales and the other in the Moray Firth, Scotland.

I wanted to try and raise some funds to help them. The easy part was who could help with that - the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society. WDCS do a huge amount to help protect the bottlenose dolphins in the UK as part of their wider work. The harder part was how to raise some money. After much dithering and plucking up of courage I decided that jumping in the water seemed appropriate and signed myself up to swim a mile in Salford Quays.

So the next part of the story will be on 26th September when I'll jump in the water (or possibly walk slowly whilst squeaking the cold) and hopefully swim a mile in a semi-respectable time :-)

At this stage I'm not sure how much I can raise - all donations will be really appreciated (and will help motivate me on the day).

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.