I need to lose some weight & get fit, so I've set myself a challenge, which I’m hoping people will support me in, either by joining me during my training or helping me to raise money to enable youngsters learn to swim.

The Mayoress is raising funds this year for disadvantaged children & younger people in Pendle, through six different charities. After being contacted by Pendle Leisure Trust’s Chief Executive, Alison Goode, about free swimming for local schoolchildren - & keeping with the theme of the Mayoress’s chosen charities - I want to raise money to enable local disadvantaged children learn how to swim.

When I was 13, I was thrown in at the deep end of my local swimming pool & it literally scarred me for life. I've since learned to swim & I think it's very important that everyone can swim, so I want to raise money to enable youngsters who do not have the opportunity, to do so.

I've committed to this challenge & promise to give it my all. With the help & support from staff at Pendle Leisure Trust, I'm determined to reach my goal – & with the generosity of the people of Pendle, I’m hoping to raise money to enable some of the borough’s disadvantaged youngsters learn to swim.”