It's a year since my daughter, Cary-Ann, asked me to do a swim to raise money for her favourite charity, the Chilterns MS Centre.  She has since transcended to a higher place in heavenly realms. I promised Cary-Ann that I would swim 70 miles at 70 years of age, to raise funds, and I intend to keep that pledge.  The swim will take me a whole year and I will swim 1.5 miles a week - mainly in .5 to .75 mile stints.  I will keep a log, recording each swim.  I am starting my swim once I am 70, in the middle of March.

Cary-Ann showed such courage and positivity throughout her suffering through MS, usually greeting visitors with a smile and always having a great sense of humour and she was a beautiful spirit. I took her to the Chilterns MS Centre for physio and this was a highlight of her life.  

If there are earth angels, I think they work at this centre, where Cary-Ann was treated with respect, professionalism and love.

Please donate and support Cary-Ann's wishes, prior to her unexpected passing.  I am no athlete but can swim, so, hips, shoulders and knees willing, and with a bit of determination, I hope to succeed.  In the previous year,  I lost 3 stone in weight to successfully, turn around a Type 2 Diabetic diagnosis, I'll endeavour to use the same determination. 

Update - July, 2020.

Prior to my swimathon, I had based my training on swimming. I have lost this level of fitness since lockdown/pool closures.  To proceed in some way, I have 'Plan B'.  I now intend to do 40 minutes of exercise ( a routine including belly dance, pilates, stretches and yoga) and then complete a 6 mile bicycle ride.  This will be equal to a 1 mile swim and I will keep a log of all activity.  I hope to do this 2 or 3 times a week.  This is a way of fulfilling my commitment of 70 miles 'swim' whilst I am 70, so please wish me luck as on I go - knees and hips willing! Thank you to all my sponsors so far and please give to support a pledge to a dear daughter, now passed away.

Update - February,2021.

I'm still battling away with my challenge at 70 years old.

My faithful, old bike actually gave up but has since been repaired and rebuilt by my special brother, Stephen.  Winter cycling is a challenge in itself.  With 3 weeks left until I'm 71, I still have some pedalling to do.  Until now, I have swam 27 miles - not as much as planned due to months of pool closures, related to Covid.. I have completed 30 Plan B equivalent 1 mile 'swims'. This totals 57 sessions, with 13 to go. I'm hoping to finish before my 71st birthday. Any encouragement, love and donations (in particular) will really help, please.

Many thanks to all who have donated so far.  Love to you all.

Hurrah! I've finished my challenge. This means that I have completed 27 miles of  swimming, 258 miles of cycling and 29 hours of exercise. It's not too late, now is the time to donate  Please give whatever you can to support a wonderful and essential charity.  Thank you very much.  This was for you Cary-Ann, with love.