Scope is the disability equality charity in England and Wales and is a charity that is close to my heart. They provide practical information and emotional support when it's most needed and campaign relentlessly to create a fairer society.

My name is Lucy and I have had muscular dystrophy since birth. Muscular dystrophy is an inherited genetic condition that causes the muscles to weaken leading to an increased level of disability over time.

From November to December, I will be swimming a mile in a month (1,609 metres) in aid of Scope. Due to my disability, I never learnt to swim as a child and never thought I would be able to. A few years ago, I finally took the plunge and decided to learn to swim as an adult. Swimming has brought me so much joy – it has massively helped my mental health, changed the way I see my disability and it has been the first time I’ve experienced getting better at something physically!

It would mean the world to me if you could donate any amount, big or small, to help this fantastic cause and keep me motivated on my daily swims! Also, I would love it if you wanted to join me for a length or two (in Ipswich or Cambridge) – no swimming ability required, you just need to enjoy walking backwards in the water in front of a disabled person!