There’s rarely a day goes by when I don’t see the Farne Islands.

I wake up to the view of them. I walk the dogs and ride along the beach with them as a backdrop. I take photographs of the islands and write about them for my work, encouraging people to visit and see their extraordinary wildlife.

A moment of madness ten years ago saw me pledge to swim from The Farne Islands to the mainland - a challenge many people have said cannot be done.

Although the distance is only some 1.5 miles, the strong currents make swimming from the islands to the mainland very difficult.

In my 40^th year, I’ve decided enough procrastinating and more action.

With the help of fellow mermaids Jane Hardy, Jill Henderson and Sylvia Bland we will be making the swim on August 29^th with William Shiel and Andrew Weightman of Billy Shiel’s Farne Island Boat Tours acting as our support boat.

I’ve chosen to raise funds for two very different charities that are linked to issues that continue to touch my life: The Alzheimer’s Society and The British Divers Marine Life Rescue.

I also think if I'm brave enough to share pictures of me in a wetsuit that deserves some recognition! 

Please support me in my challenge.