Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. Between 13th September and 5th December 2010 I shall endevour to swim 22 miles - the distance across the English channel - in order to raise money for the charity Aspire. I shall undertake this in easy, mile-or-so-at-a-time stages in the warmth of a swimming pool rather than getting cold and mown down by cross channel ferries!

Aspire works with and supports people with spinal injuries who will never be able to walk - or even use their upper limbs - again. It aims to provide them with as much independance as possible and works with them to achieve this, from initial diagnosis through to the time they able to reintegrate into society. Aspire provides support through a range of projects, including adapted, accessible housing, providing specialist, voice-activated computer equipment, practical advice and grants to help people live as fully and independently as possible.

Having spent part of my professional working life caring for people injured in accidents, a number of whom have incurred spinal injuries, and as someone who enjoys an active life and outdoor activities to the full, this is an area of work I feel very strongly about. Further information can be found on the Aspire website at:

http://www.aspire.org.uk/

If you are able and willing to sponsor me, I would be very grateful - the size of the donation is not important.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Thanks for your support,

  

Elaine

 

23rd September 2010: 6.75 miles done, water's warm and not been mown down by a ferry yet! Not sure what I've done with my passport though.......

December 4th 2010: arrived in 'France' this morning. The last part of the swim was a bit slower than intended, partly due to inadvertent weather. It's pretty chilly here, I've not got my passport and no clothes or money either. Guess I'll have to start swimming back.......

Many thanks to all who've sponsored me - through both the Just Giving site - and the good, old-fashioned sponsorship form. Your generosity is appreciated.