Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. Those of you who know me well will recognise there are a few very specific things I'm passionate about:

• Continuously challenging myself both physically and mentally (and personal competitiveness that comes with it!)
• Giving back to the communities who have provided me with so much opportunity and support my entire life
• The water :)

One of my mom's favourite stories about me is that the reason I learned to swim was that, when I was only 2 or 3 years old we would visit my grandparents' house in California - who had a pool! My parents and grandparents of course watched me vigilantly to make sure I was never in danger, but (undaunted by attempts to coral me) any opportunity I got I would try to make a break for it and "sprint" towards the pool to jump in. One day I was nearly successful, and my parents recognised immediately that both for the sake of safety as well as my clear passion for the water I needed to get proper lessons immediately. That passion for the water has continued ever since whether it's competitive racing, snorkelling, or simply cannon-balling in to the nearest body of water - and I'm very grateful I had the benefit of health and a supportive environment to ensure that I was set up from the start.

Children with disabilities often do not get this same opportunity - a huge shame because the water should always be exciting and an opportunity to play or explore new worlds - never a scary safety risk or a daunting challenge. Level Water is a UK organisation who provides free swimming lessons for children with disabilities to give them a fair start, with children who likely would never have learned otherwise. What's more, providing this foundation of sport in their lives helps them develop confidence, self-esteem, and resilience. 

Please explore more about this fantastic organisation (https://www.levelwater.org/ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8MbApdI4QE) and consider donating -  any amount will help.

 I think it's an incredibly powerful and worthy cause and will be putting my own swimming capabilities to the test in September to prove it!

Please note that 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, so it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.