Val Isherwood
Val's 100 Swims + 1,111 Miles Fundraising Challenge
Fundraising for Tigerlily Trust
Story
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In 2011 my world fell apart when my longed for and adored baby Lily was stillborn. We had travelled a long road to conceive her, and her loss shattered my life into a million shards of pain and devastation.
For Lily’s 10th Heavenly Birthday I really wanted to do something special and I wanted to raise funds for Tigerlily Trust in Lily’s memory and all our precious babies memories. But with so many commitments, work and caring for my elderly Dad taking up so much time, I was feeling downhearted that I hadn’t organised anything. Then this idea came, heaven sent - 100 + 1111. To complete this challenge between today, Lily’s 10th Birthday, and next year, her 11th Birthday. To do 100 wild swims throughout the year, right through winter, without a wetsuit, and to walk 1111 miles! I can commit enough time to complete this challenge I’m sure 
It’s taken me 8 years since Lily died to even begin to be active, walking, and trying to get fitter. I protected the weight I gained during fertility treatment and pregnancy, I couldn’t let go of that connection with carrying Lily. I felt as if losing it would mean I was somehow diminishing Lily or breaking our bond ( I know that may sound ridiculous, but I also know that babyloss parents will understand it) But 2 years ago something changed in me, I was ready, ready to do whatever it took to reclaim my body and fitness, and knew wholeheartedly that it didn’t mean I was diminishing Lily in any way. In fact, I knew that it would make me better equipped to embrace life more fully for Lily. And now, 2years on and 2 stone lighter I’m ready to stretch myself some more!
This challenge, especially the swims, will test me to my limits, I like warmth, not cold, I’m a sun worshiper not a snow bunny, but I am determined to do this!
Will you help me? Would you sponsor me or donate to my fundraiser? To help me keep going and to help other bereaved parents who we’ll support through this fundraising challenge. Your support really will make a difference and I am wholeheartedly grateful for it. Thank you for taking the time to read this and thank you in advance from myself, Tigerlily Trust and all the bereaved parents who will receive support because of this challenge. I will post here, and do a photo log of every swim & every walk so that you can see how I’m doing, track my progress, and see how blue I turn in winter.