This August, I am swimming a Channel relay with a team named the 'Salty Sea Snails'! Swimming is my passion and I am hoping to raise awareness and funds to support 'Charlie's Garden' a charitable, non-profit organisation, so close to my heart. The organisation was founded in Vienna, Austria, on 29th October 2018 and is named after my nephew, the late journalist Charles Golder.

Our team 'Salty Sea Snails', have taken on this challenge to swim from Dover to France! The English Channel at it’s narrowest point is 21 miles, however, with at least 3 if not 4 tidal shifts to contend with the distance swum may be nearer to 40 miles. The swim will commence in Dover and will hopefully finish up somewhere on the French coast! A successful crossing could take anywhere between 12 and 24 hours or indeed longer (depending on tides & weather)...

We have custom made costumes by Budgie Smugglers and have designed t-shirts and hoodies for us to proudly wear during and after our endeavours. I cannot think of a better foundation to raise money for, and awareness of. Your support and contributions are gratefully received and will all go to Charlie's Garden.

The Charles Christopher Michael Golder Foundation for Pompe and Cancer Research – also known as Charlie’s Garden – is a charitable, non-profit organisation raising funds to support scientific research into cancer and rare genetic illnesses such as Pompe disease, among other endeavours

Charlie's Garden

Charlie's Garden supports the following causes, which were important to Charles, such as:

– Supporting research into rare genetic disorders and cancer, as well as projects seeking to understand the potential links between the two

– Respecting, loving and protecting the planet’s wildlife

– Promoting integrity and strong moral values in the field of journalism

– Supporting education with the organisation of competitions, scholarships and prizes