Last year I said to my Mum, "I really want to build a water well in Gambia for people who don’t have access to clean water in Aunty Beth’s name.” My aunty Beth really was the most giving and selfless person there was and it felt right to honour her in this way. We weren’t able to raise enough money for the well, so we started talking about how we could raise the remaining amount...

A couple of weeks later my Mum said, "..I’ve got it! I am going to swim the Channel.” You can imagine how shocked my sister and I were. She continued to say she had seen David Walliams do it and if he could do it she can too! 

This was the most random idea! I have only ever seen my Mum swim twice in the sea and both times when she was on holiday. No way would she even dip in the sea on a trip to Bournemouth when we were kids never mind swim in it. 

”Okay Mummy,” my sister and I said, expecting that she might realise how big a challenge she had taken on and decide against it; however, there’s a reason she’s our inspiration. She signed up to an organisation and started training - doing cold water swims when the temperature outside is zero degrees! Honestly, she hates the cold and is known for always having the most toastiest house, so I am not quite sure how she is doing it. The thing is though when my mum sets her mind to something she gives it her everything and we are so so proud of her for it. 

We know it is a difficult time right now, but if you are able to sponsor some money to support her in doing this most incredible physical challenge (that makes my heart race never mind hers) we would be so so appreciative. 

Thanks for reading this and in advance thank you for any support/donations you are able to give.

Safia and Debbie x