Myself and 21 other crazy people (4 of which are my sisters!) are taking part in the Hythe Pool Swim Challenge in order to raise money for the Pilgrims Hospice. 

This challenge involves swimming 1,416 lengths, equating to the 22 miles of the Channel.  The event will take part overnight at Hythe Swimming Pool on 21st July 2012.  I am hoping that it will take me about 12 hours to complete, but to be honest I will just be happy to make it to the finish line!

The event has been organised by Mike Smith, one of my coaches from my swimming club days.  After completing his second Iron Man, Mike was in training for a double Iron Man (5 mile swim, 245 mile cycle and 56 mile run) when a tumour was found in his spinal cord.  While 95% of the tumour was removed, the operation left him paralysed in the right leg.

A year after Mike's operation, his brother Derek was diagnosed with cancer, and unfortunately died within a year.  Shortly after his burial, Mike's brother Bob was diagnosed with cancer and also died within the year.

Mike wanted to do a channel swim to raise money for the Pilgrims Hospice as it takes care of terminally ill people in the local area.  However, the swim will take place in a swimming pool since his leg gets too cold to swim in the sea.

Unfortunately Mike is now unable to take part himself due to complications with his leg but he is helping to train and advise those of us that are attempting the challenge.

Please give as much or as little as you can because it's for a good cause, and let's face it, is going to be a very painful experience for me and my fellow swimmers! 

We also would appreciate any supporters who want to come down and cheer us all on - if so let me know and I will give you further details of the event!