Katie's story:

In February 2020 Jamie, my husband and all round favourite person, died suddenly having suffered a cardiac arrest.

His absence touches every single part of our lives and has changed the shape of mine and my children’s future beyond recognition. 

When lockdown has permitted, I have found swimming to be a source of therapy. It is something that continues to bring us all pleasure and plunging into cold water has bought some calm in the chaos. This has never been truer than when trying to figure our way through the noise and sadness of grief.

I wanted to combine this joy of swimming whilst raising money for the British Heart Foundation. Many of you know that Jamie was born with a number of congenital heart conditions and I hope that our fundraising gesture helps the charity to continued their vital research to help support others in the future.

£24 could pay for two hours of research by an early career scientist, but every pound helps so please give what you can to help me hit my target and thank you for supporting the BHF.

PS, just to make sure that I actually go through with this, I have somehow managed to convince my good friend Amelia to also take part in this crazy challenge, and look forward to raising a glass of something together on the day.