Wendy has inspired us to do the 5.25 mile swim at Coniston Water, Lake District by completing the ultimate swim challenge last year in Sept 2014. We decided to take on this ultimate challenge, with Wendy doing it again in a group.

As UK Sport have just announced, no financial support is being given to Deaf sports this year. As a result, we have decided to use this event to fundraise for Deaf athletics, with our efforts being particularly focused on the Great Britain Deaf Swimming team.

Eileen Murphy – My only open water swim was in 2009 at Alton Water near Ipswich and I loved it as swimming has been my lifetime since I was 2 years old. I was a competitive swimmer participating in many galas, leagues and championships in Johannesburg, South Africa. In 2011 I did the London to Paris cycle challenge and it was one of the best things that I have done in my life. I feel that I want to achieve something again so Coniston Water will be a fantastic lifetime achievement. I train on my own in a 25m pool which isn’t easy but I get through it from encouragement and motivation on my 5 deaf otters’ blog.

Jill Wherry – I was a competitive swimmer in my youth. I carried on with swimming so when I saw a photo of Sue in the Great Swim event. I decided to try that and I was then hooked with Open Water Swimming. I began in 2011 and have been doing since then. I have also done Triathlons which I love doing. The Lake District Swim will be a fantastic challenge to complete and amongst friends too.

Sue Brown – In 2009 Eileen Murphy who is my sister suggested that we try the one mile swim at Alton Water in Suffolk. Since then I have taken part in several open water swimming events. Doing a 5.25 mile swim will be a huge challenge. My training buddy is Jane Newman. We train with the Bridge Open Water club and Greenwich Tritons. I am a qualified timekeeper & inspector of turns and often judge at my son’s swimming club and other competitions. Soon I hope to complete my next assessment and qualify as judge level 2 inspector of stroke and finish. I am passionate about the Deaf Swimming team GB and would like them to compete abroad.

Wendy Scott – I entered a Triathlon event some years ago with two friends as a relay and became hooked! The two friends were pleased the event was over and said never again whilst I was looking to book again for the following year! I am slow and steady and aim to finish with a smile rather than do things competively. I enjoy the atmosphere the Triathlon and the swimming events brings and I am so pleased I have 4 other Otters joining me for the Coniston Swim! It will be a total of 26.25 miles altogether!

Jane Newman – My first open water swim was back in 2012 and I’m hooked. I am a member of The Bridge Open Water Club where I train weekly in the summer months. I train with the Greenwich Tritons to improve my stamina as well as technique. To pass the finishing line at the 5.25 mile mark will be my greatest achievement.