I got involved with the AWF 5 years ago when I was asked to give a talk at their welfare forum. One thing they're very good at is working on contentious issues and highlighting welfare problems often overlooked by the media. I loved the charity and when the opportunity came up to become a trustee I jumped at the chance and luckily was chosen to join. That was 4 years ago and my admiration for them has only grown. This year is our 30th anniversary and we desperately need more awareness of our work but also, of course, money to continue making a real impact on the welfare of thousands of animals in the UK.

I did the swimathon a few times in the dim and distant past of my youth and really enjoyed it. After a kite-surfing accident ruptured my cruciate ligament in 2011 I've spent the whole of the last year having physio after the surgery and it spurred me on to get fit again. The swimathon is 200 lengths so I decided I'd go the extra mile (quite literally) for the AWF and do 300 lengths.

Since deciding to, a local school has got 36 staff signed up to do it as teams or individuals, friends in the village have used the challenge as a cause to get fit and Pickering pool have very kindly donated the pool for an afternoon in September. It's become quite a thing and I'm really proud of everyone who's joined in. Halu clothing have designed some t-shirts and are printing them heavily discounted for anyone taking part or helping who wants to buy one. The whole process has been a lovely demonstration of the better side of human nature.

Anyway, enough from me, give us your money!

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