On Sunday 14th July I will be swimming the 4 x 1 mile Challenge at the Henley Swimming Festival to raise funds to support outreach projects funded by The Cottman Foundation.

The first project is Action Against Domestic Violence (in partnership with the National Centre for Domestic Violence) - the funds raised provide an emergency injunction service to survivors of domestic violence giving them legal protection; there is no government funding for this. www.cottmanfoundation.org/actionagainstdomesticviolence

The second project is to install a clean water well to an entire community in Ethiopia (in partnership with the charity, Water), to help reduce the extensive health issues, the extreme poverty, and the marginalisation and violence towards young girls who collect water rather than attending school. www.cottmanfoundation.org/water

Whilst I am a competent and strong swimmer in the pool, the river Thames is a bit of a nemesis for me - last time I swam in it I ended up in the back of an ambulance with a severe asthma attack, and on medication for the next two weeks! This time I am determined to do the swims and raise as many funds as possible for the Cottman Foundation. So I am trying to swim regularly in the local lake and increase the distance I manage without exacerbating the asthma. I am fortunate to have the support of my team mates at WDSC (Wycombe District Swimming Club), and am very grateful to Professor Greg Whyte for his advice, encouragement and support.

So please sponsor me as much as you are able and help me reach my target.