In the UK, thousands of adults and children are living with a central line, and, as a result, are unable to swim...

... With your kind donations, we can enable more children and adults to access swimming, by providing them with a specialised swimming drysuit; A suit which will keep their central line dry and safe in the water.

For every £350 raised, we will be able to purchase a drysuit, which over the years will help numerous people (children and adults) to swim again. Whether they want to learn to swim, get in the sea while on Holiday, or just splash about in a pool with friends and family - we will be able to make this happen!

Central lines are long, thin and hollow tubes which are inserted into the body at either the chest area or upper arm (above the elbow). The line runs through a vein and into a larger vein, just above the heart; allowing for direct access into the bloodstream. They are used for artificial nutrition, such as TPN (total parenteral nutrition), and for a variety of treatments, such as chemotherapy.

Due to the positioning of central lines, and their direct access into the heart, they need to be kept dry and clean at all times. Which, of course, makes swimming an extremely difficult task. Recent guidelines from the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) advises that central lines should not be submerged, unprotected, in water.

Although there are a few options to keep central lines dry in water (i.e. specialised waterproof dressings and pouches), these aren't always a suitable solution for patients.

With this in mind, the only option left for some children and adults wanting to swim, is to purchase a specialised drysuit. These specialised suits have been designed specifically to allow the wearer to be immersed in water whilst keeping their central line dry. The cost of owning a drysuit however, begins at £350; An expense which many people cannot afford.

We are regularly contacted by people desperately wanting to swim, or wanting their child to swim, but who are unable to afford the cost of purchasing a drysuit. Sadly, not only does their health create a barrier to swimming, but so does the cost.

Face Everything And Rise (FEAR) hopes to change this by purchasing a selection of drysuits, which can be lent to both adults and children with central lines, for free, to enable them to swim safely again... This means over the years, each suit we purchase, will help numerous people get back in the water.

A recently study revealed exercising and socialising in a pool, leads to improved mental health and lowers anxiety. Swimming also releases the endorphins in your brain; increasing positivity, reducing stress and brings about a sense of wellbeing and happiness.

At FEAR, we recognise the importance that swimming has on an individual's wellbeing, confidence and health. Therefore, we hope to enable more people to access swimming through the provision of lending drysuits to patients.

We feel that children and adults, who live with central lines, already have enough to overcome with their health, and shouldnt be discouraged to swim due to financial difficulties.

The fun, freedom and joy swimming brings to people's lives is invaluable. But it shouldn't just be limited to those who can afford the cost of owning a drysuit...

Click here to be directed to Face Everything And Rise website