As my 2nd annual fundraiser on Saturday 18 June 2011 I will be  participating in the Great North Swim, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. 

 

At 9 years old I set out at 6pm on a Friday evening to complete my mile swimming badge, at past 7pm 60 out of the 64 lengths were complete and the all important certificate and badge were within my grasp. But alas, fatigue overcame me, my legs could kick no more and Daddy had to rescue me with a Mars bar and there the journey ended for me, with just 100metres left to go. 

 

Mile-gate, it became apparent, had set the standard for my swimming career but this summer for one afternoon only I shall be taking back on the mile in an open water setting.

As you may know, in December 2009 my younger brother Andrew was diagnosed with lung cancer. Andrew has been incredibly strong over the past 18 months and has completed both chemotherapy and radiotherapy and is now taking his AS Levels in Physics, Maths, Biology and Philosophy (never one for taking the soft option!).

 

Andrew's illness inspired me to do an internship with Macmillan over last summer which was enjoyable and extremely rewarding and I decided that it's about time that I did an event myself! Macmillan do invaluable work providing practical, emotional, medical and financial support for everyone living with cancer in their lives, not just the patient but those surrounding them as well. 

 

Hopefully there won't be a repeat of 11 years ago but I will have an emergency Mars bar on standby just in case. Macmillan is an amazing cause and Andrew's an alright brother I suppose, so please dig deep and donate what you can afford!

 

Thank you.

Lots of love x

 

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