For my 21st Birthday this year, I’m swimming 21 kilometres (840 lengths) on 12 December to raise money for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). Having been a swimmer for as long as I can remember and the RNLI, known for saving lives at sea and raising awareness of water safety, swimming a kilometre for every year since I was born seemed like the fitting thing to do. I'm hoping to complete this challenge within 8 hours, more than doubling the furthest that I've ever swum before in one go.

The RNLI is a charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of the Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.

This summer, I was fortunate enough to spend three months working in the RNLI’s Regional Media Engagement team in Scotland and witness first-hand the incredible work of the volunteers and crew members across the lifeboat stations in Scotland. I absolutely loved the experience and the opportunities that I had to work as part of the charity and raise awareness of the hard work and dedication of all the people involved in saving lives at sea. Each person that I met and spoke to had their own story to tell and their own unique connection to the RNLI, it was amazing to be able to help share these and promote the bravery and courage that it takes to enter into the unknown every time there is a shout.

All money raised will be split between the RNLI and Anstruther RNLI's new lifeboat station. Any donations would be much appreciated!